Overweight and obesity in primary school children in Lebrija, Spain

Abstract

Objective: To know the prevalence of being overweight and of child obesity and their relation toeating habits, physical exercise, sedentary leisure activities, sleep and performance at school in the CIPCristo Rey primary school in Lebrija. Methodology: The sample consisted of 86 schoolchildren between 7and 12 years of age. They were given three anonymous questionnaires; one on sedentary leisure activitiesand sleep, another on physical exercise for schoolchildren (PAQ - C), and a third on adherence to the Mediterranean diet (Kidmed test). Results: 38.4% of the population were overweight, 70.9% showed low ormedium adherence to the Mediterranean diet, the majority did moderate physical exercise, more than halfdid not comply with the recommendations concerning the maximum time to be spent on sedentary leisureactivities, 95% were within the recommended range of hours of sleep and no relation was found with theschool performance results. Conclusions: No significant relation was found between the studied factors andthe BMI. Significant differences were found between girls and boys in the regular consumption of fish, aswell as other significant aspects of the diet and exercise. The evidence of a high prevalence of excessiveweight in the population suggests that institutions should make an educational effort to contribute tochanging children’s lifestyle and encourage healthier habits.