113 / 2019-11-02 22:55:29

Eating habits and its association with weight status in Chinese school-age children: A cross-sectional study

school-age,eating habits,weight status,overweight and obesity,Chinese

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Background: Improper eating habits increase the risk of chronic diseases such as overweight and obesity, adult diabetes, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases in children. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine the eating habits of school-age children and its impact on children's body mass index. Methods: A total sample of 2224 students of grade 4 to 6 from 16 primary schools in Changsha were sampled by multi-stage cluster sampling. The self-designed dietary questionnaire was used to collect information on general demographic data, eating habits and consumption of snacks for school-age children. The anthropometric data was measured to calculate body mass index Z value. Body size was classified according to the World Health Organization's Body Mass Index (BMI) reference standard in 2007. Results: The prevalence of overweight and obesity among school-age children was 17.0% and 8.3%, respectively. The overweight and obesity rate of boys were higher than girls (19.9% vs. 13.6%, 12.9% vs. 3.0%, p < 0.05). Among eating habits of school-age children, the incidence rate of picky eating was the highest (71.6%), followed by replacing meals with instant noodles (68.9%) and eating late-night snacks (55.1%). Skipping breakfast, eating while watching television, picky eating, thirst for sugary drinks or eating puffed food were significantly correlated with weight status of school-age children (p < 0.05). Skipping breakfast and eating puffed food would increase the risk of overweight/obesity in children (OR > 1, p < 0.05), while picky eating with a decreased risk (OR < 1, p < 0.05). Conclusions: Eating habits of school-age children are closely correlated to their weight status. Poor eating habits may be risk factors to overweight and obesity. Diet’s management and control of children should be strengthened to develop good eating habits and reduce the occurrence of overweight and obesity in school-age children.