Endocrine Abstracts

JOINT413

Background: Childhood obesity and overweight have become pressing global health concerns, affecting an increasing number of children. These conditions have significant consequences on both physical and mental well-being, making them a crucial issue for society. Among the many contributing factors, dietary habits play a key role. This study aims to explore the dietary influences that contribute to childhood obesity and overweight.

Methods: This was a case-control cross-sectional study, conducted over a year in 2022, included 216 children from school health clinics in Tunis, Tunisia, excluding those with secondary obesity causes. Overweight was defined as a BMI > 1 standard deviation (SD) above the median of WHO growth standards, and obesity as a BMI > 2 SDs above the median. The children were categorized into groups: G1 of 54 overweight or obese children and G2 of 162 of normal weight children. We administred a questionnaire to children and their parents to evaluate the dietary risk factors of obesity.

Results: No significant association was found between overweight or obesity and age (P = 0.07), but the prevalence was significantly higher in male children (P = 0.038). No significant correlation was found between biscuit consumption and overweight or obesity in children (P = 0.72). However, the consumption of Cerelac was statistically associated with the presence of overweight or obesity (P = 0.03). A diet rich in fruits was more common in G1 (P = 0.62). G1 children had a lower fiber intake though this difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.72). Carbohydrate-rich diets were significantly more frequent among overweight or obese children (P = 0.038). A diet high in plant-derived fats was more common in the overweight or obese group (P = 0.439). No significant link was found between consumption of animal-derived fats and the presence of obesity or overweight (P = 0.254). Similarly, no significant relationship was found between night-time dessert consumption and obesity or overweight (P = 0.126). Snacking was reported by 17.7% of children in the normal weight group compared to 16.7% in the overweight/obese group, with no significant correlation with obesity or overweight (P = 0.867). The independent factors associated with the presence of overweight or obesity in children were male gender, Cerelac consumption, and a high intake of carbohydrates.

Conclusion: Tackling the underlying causes of childhood obesity and overweight, with a focus on understanding and addressing key contributing factors, is essential to reversing this escalating epidemic.