‘I want to lose weight’: Early risk for disordered eating?

The present study examined the risk of disordered eating and its relation to attempts to lose weight by surveying a Maritime Canadian sample of 247 girls and boys in grades 6, 7 and 8. Current attempts to lose weight were highest in grade 8 girls (41% of girls and 9% of boys) compared with grade 6 (14% of girls and 24% of boys) and grade 7 (21% of girls and 13% of boys) children. Of those trying to lose weight, 71.4% were in the average range for weight and height, 12.2% were overweight and 16.3% were obese. The Children’s version of the Eating Attitudes Test (ChEAT) was used to assess eating attitudes and behaviours, and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale was used as a measure of self-esteem. The results showed that 8.5% of the children fell in the high-risk group for disordered eating (ChEAT score 20 or higher). Those in the high-risk group were significantly more likely to fear being overweight (90%), to have tried to lose weight in the past (81%), to be currently trying to lose weight (76%), and to have engaged in binge eating (38%) and self-induced vomiting (24%). The best predictor of membership in the high-risk group for girls was current attempts at weight loss and having lower self-esteem. Only two boys fell in the high-risk group. Body mass index and current weight category (underweight, average, overweight and obese) could not explain the differences between the low- and high-risk groups. Knowing that a child is trying to lose weight can aid in identifying youth at risk for disordered eating, and can provide an opportunity for preventive education.     

不同营养状况下儿童青少年骨龄发育提前或落后的风险分析

目的 分析不同营养状况下儿童青少年的骨龄发育特点,探讨超重、肥胖及消瘦与骨龄发育提前或落后的相关性。方法 运用CHN法对2012年1月至2019年2月期间在首都儿科研究所附属儿童医院就诊的4~18岁7 062例（男3 310例,女3 752例）儿童的左手腕部骨龄进行评价,利用“儿童生长发育与营养评估系统”计算体质指数Z值（BMIZ）,BMIZ＜-2为消瘦组,BMIZ＞+1和BMIZ＞+2分别为超重组和肥胖组,比较不同性别和营养状况下骨龄年龄差（BAD）的差异,并对超重、肥胖儿童骨龄提前的发生风险进行分析。结果 消瘦和正常儿童平均骨龄与年龄相符,超重、肥胖儿童骨龄提前,且女童提前幅度大于男童,超重男、女童分别提前1.10岁和1.36岁（P=0.000）;肥胖男、女童分别提前1.60岁和1.78岁（P=0.000）。与正常体重相比,超重男、女童骨龄提前的风险分别增加2.358倍（95% CI：2.759~4.086）和2.483倍（95% CI：2.928~4.144）;肥胖男、女童骨龄提前的风险分别增加5.820倍（95% CI：5.066~9.181）和7.537倍（95% CI：6.319~11.534）;消瘦男、女童骨龄落后的风险分别增加1.540倍（95% CI：1.481~4.355）和3.790倍（95% CI：2.245~10.221）（P均＜0.05）。结论 超重肥胖增加骨龄提前的风险,超重男、女童骨龄提前风险接近,肥胖女童骨龄提前风险大于男童。消瘦增加骨龄落后的风险。     

Body mass index in Belgian schoolchildren and its relationship with sensitization and allergic symptoms

Results of studies of the influence of body mass index (BMI) on the allergic status are controversial. As a part of the Aalst Allergy Study, we assessed the prevalence of the different BMI categories (underweight, normal weight, overweight, and obesity) and a possible association between BMI and atopy in 1576 unselected Belgian schoolchildren, aged from 3.4 to 14.8 yr. BMI was used to determine weight status. Skin prick testing with the most common aeroallergens was performed. A parental questionnaire documented data on respiratory and allergic disorders, demographic characteristics and other potential risk factors for sensitization. Among the total children, 4.1% of the children were underweight, 14.5% were overweight, and 7.4% were obese. More girls than boys were overweight (p = 0.015). In the group of children older than 12 yr, we found more overweight (p = 0.03) and obese (p = 0.004) girls, and more obese boys (p = 0.004) than in the younger age groups. In contrast with reports in the literature, an increased prevalence of allergic sensitization in underweight girls only [adjusted odd ratio (OR_adj) = 2.9, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.3–6.4] was documented. A strong association between obesity and exercise-induced respiratory symptoms was found in both boys (OR_adj = 14.5, 95% CI: 2.9–73.3) and girls (OR_adj = 4.9, 95% CI: 1.3–17.4). No correlations with allergic respiratory symptoms, eczema, or rhinoconjunctivitis could be documented.     

Ethnic group differences in overweight and obese children and young people in England: cross sectional survey.

AIMS: To determine the percentage of children and young adults who are obese or overweight within different ethnic and socioeconomic groups. METHODS: Secondary analysis of data on 5689 children and young adults aged 2-20 years from the 1999 Health Survey for England. RESULTS: Twenty three per cent of children (n = 1311) were overweight, of whom 6% (n = 358) were obese. More girls than boys were overweight (24% v 22%). Afro-Caribbean girls were more likely to be overweight (odds ratio 1.73, 95% CI 1.29 to 2.33), and Afro-Caribbean and Pakistani girls were more likely to be obese than girls in the general population (odds ratios 2.74 (95% CI 1.74 to 4.31) and 1.71 (95% CI 1.06 to 2.76), respectively). Indian and Pakistani boys were more likely to be overweight (odds ratios 1.55 (95% CI 1.12 to 2.17) and 1.36 (95% CI 1.01 to 1.83), respectively). There were no significant differences in the prevalence of obese and overweight children from different social classes. CONCLUSION: The percentage of children and young adults who are obese and overweight differs by ethnic group and sex, but not by social class. British Afro-Caribbean and Pakistani girls have an increased risk of being obese and Indian and Pakistani boys have an increased risk of being overweight than the general population. These individuals may be at greater combined cumulative risk of morbidity and mortality from cardiovascular disease and so may be a priority for initiatives to target groups of children at particular risk of obesity.     

Ethnic group differences in overweight and obese children and young people in England: cross sectional survey

Aims: To determine the percentage of children and young adults who are obese or overweight within different ethnic and socioeconomic groups. Methods: Secondary analysis of data on 5689 children and young adults aged 2–20 years from the 1999 Health Survey for England. Results: Twenty three per cent of children (n = 1311) were overweight, of whom 6% (n = 358) were obese. More girls than boys were overweight (24% v 22%). Afro-Caribbean girls were more likely to be overweight (odds ratio 1.73, 95% CI 1.29 to 2.33), and Afro-Caribbean and Pakistani girls were more likely to be obese than girls in the general population (odds ratios 2.74 (95% CI 1.74 to 4.31) and 1.71 (95% CI 1.06 to 2.76), respectively). Indian and Pakistani boys were more likely to be overweight (odds ratios 1.55 (95% CI 1.12 to 2.17) and 1.36 (95% CI 1.01 to 1.83), respectively). There were no significant differences in the prevalence of obese and overweight children from different social classes. Conclusion: The percentage of children and young adults who are obese and overweight differs by ethnic group and sex, but not by social class. British Afro-Caribbean and Pakistani girls have an increased risk of being obese and Indian and Pakistani boys have an increased risk of being overweight than the general population. These individuals may be at greater combined cumulative risk of morbidity and mortality from cardiovascular disease and so may be a priority for initiatives to target groups of children at particular risk of obesity.     

Aggression, social cognitions, anger and sadness in bullies and victims

BACKGROUND: The present study aimed to investigate children's social information processing (SIP) and emotions in the bullying situation, taking into account reactive and proactive aggression. More specifically, we investigated the way in which children interpret social information, which goals they select, how they evaluate their responses and which emotions they express in hypothetical situations. METHOD: The participants comprised 242 Dutch children (120 girls and 122 boys; mean age: 117.2 months), who were assigned by means of peer nominations (Salmivalli, Lagerspetz, et al., 1996) to one of the following roles: bully (n=21), follower of the bully (n=38), victim (n=35), defender of the victim (n=48), outsider (n=52) and not involved (n=32). Sixteen children (including 3 bully/victims) were not given any role. The reactive and proactive aggression scale (Dodge, & Coie, 1987) was filled out by teachers in order to test the association between these types of aggression and involvement in bullying. Children were presented with ambiguous scenarios and responded to questions about attribution of intent, goal selection and emotions (anger and sadness). In addition, two questionnaires were administered to children: one assessed perceived self-efficacy in performing aggression, inhibiting aggression and using verbal persuasion skills, and the other assessed expected outcomes from behaving aggressively or prosocially. RESULTS: Results showed that while reactive aggression was common in bullies and victims, proactive aggression was only characteristic of bullies. Both bullies and victims, compared to the other children, scored higher on hostile interpretation, anger, retaliation and ease of aggression. Bullies and followers claimed that it was easy for them to use verbal persuasion, while victims turned out to be the saddest group. All children, irrespective of their role in the peer group, thought that aggressive as well as prosocial behavior was more likely to produce desired results from a friendly peer than from an aggressive one. CONCLUSIONS: Bullies and victims seem to be similar in reactive aggression, SIP, and in the expression of anger, but the motivations which lead to their behavior may be different, as well as the final outcomes of their acts.     

Overweight, obesity, weight-related concerns and behaviours in Hong Kong Chinese children and adolescents

Aim: To study the prevalence of overweight and obesity, and weight-related concerns and behaviours among overweight, obese and non-overweight children and adolescents. Methods: We carried out a cross-sectional survey of all Chinese students in primary schools in the Central and Western District of Hong Kong in March 2002. Thirty-one of 32 schools participated, and 5402 boys and 5371 girls aged 8 to 15 y who completed a standardized questionnaire were included. We used the International Obesity Task Force definition (IOTF reference) to define overweight and obesity. Results: The prevalence (95% CI) of overweight was 16.4% (15.7-17.1%) (19.9% in boys, 12.9% in girls), and that of obesity was 7.7% (7.2-8.2%) (10.3% in boys and 5.1% in girls). The combined prevalence of overweight and obesity was similar to that based on the local reference. Overweight children had more concerns about their weight than obese children. They were more likely than obese children to feel fat, wish to be lighter, diet and exercise to lose weight. Although obese children were heavier, they did not make more effort to lose weight than overweight children.

Conclusions: The differences in weight-related concerns and behaviours among overweight, obese and non-overweight children suggested good validity of the IOTF reference and the self-reported data. The differences between overweight and obese children suggested that the two groups had different psychological states and that they needed different weight management programmes and other intervention strategies.     

Macronutrient intake, physical activity, serum lipids and increased body weight in primary schoolchildren in Istanbul

BACKGROUND: The aim of this cross-sectional study was to record the prevalence of underweight, overweight and obesity in primary school children living in Istanbul and to examine the relationship between increased body weight and certain cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors. METHODS: A total of 510 randomly selected children aged 12 and 13 years of age (257 boys, 253 girls) were examined. Information regarding anthropometrical indices, energy and macronutrient intake, physical activity, physical fitness and lipid profile were collected. Classification of children in overweight and obese subgroups was based on the cut-off points proposed by Cole et al. RESULTS: The prevalence of underweight, overweight and obesity was found to be 15.3%, 10.6% and 1.6%, respectively. Both overweight boys and girls were found to have lower physical fitness compared to their normal-weight counterparts, but no difference was observed for energy and macronutrient intake. Overweight boys were found to have higher total cholesterol (P < 0.001), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (P < 0.01), triglycerides (P < 0.01) and total cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) ratio (P < 0.05) compared to their normal-weight counterparts, while overweight girls were found to have lower HDL-C (P < 0.05) compared to their normal-weight peers. CONCLUSIONS: Underweight and overweight coexisted in the current population. Increased body weight was accompanied by unfavorable lipid profiles and lower fitness levels. Consequently, there is an emergent need for early identification and understanding of behavioral and physiological variables related to obesity and CVD, so that appropriate interventions can be targeted to children who are at risk for adult onset of these diseases.     

High prevalence of overweight and obesity among 6-year-old children in Finnmark County, North Norway

Aim: The aim was to determine the prevalence of overweight and obesity among 6‐year‐old children in Finnmark, the northernmost county of Norway. Methods: This is a survey of 1774 children born during 1999 and 2000 from 18 of 19 child healthcare centres in Finnmark. Body mass index data extracted retrospectively in 2007 from health records at the age of 6 years were compared with international definitions of over‐ and underweight. The prevalence figures were further compared with socio‐demographic figures on municipality level. Results: Overall, 19% of the children were classified as overweight or obese; 5% were classified as obese. The prevalence of overweight and obesity was higher among girls (22%) than among boys (16%) (p < 0.01). The prevalence of underweight was 8% among both girls and boys. Despite large variations in the prevalence of overweight and obesity between municipalities (9–35%), no association was found with municipality figures on socio‐demographic factors. Conclusion: In the northernmost county Finnmark, the prevalence of overweight including obesity among 6‐year‐old children was somewhat higher than in previous surveys from Norway, especially among girls.     

Normal and abnormal height and weight development in children and adolescents in Krakow--changes and trends in the last thirty years

The aim of this study is to determine the frequency of height and weight disharmony in children and adolescents in Krakow, i.e. both overweight and underweight in relation to height and the trends in last thirty years. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 4532 individuals -- a random sample of children and adolescents (2416 boys and 2107 girls) were examined in 2000. The results of the examination were compared with data obtain in 1971 (random sample of 4090 individuals) and with results from 1983 (random sample of 6536 individuals). Percentile position of height and weight were compared: the difference of two or more percentiles channels classified the results as overweight or underweight depending on height. THE RESULTS: Of the research prove that the frequency of occurrence of dis-harmonious body built increases with age, both with regard to overweight and underweight related to height and this phenomenon is more frequent in girls. In last thirty years a progressive increase of frequency of overweight was observed, but in girls it was noticeable and statistically significant only in 1971 -- 1983.     

Parental perception of overweight and underweight in children and adolescents

Aims: To compare the parental perception of overweight and underweight in their children to objective criteria, based on body mass index (BMI), waist circumference and triceps skinfold thickness, and to explore the effects of potential determinants. Methods: Logistic regression of anthropometric measurements, socio‐demographic characteristics and self‐reported parental height and weight on the parental perception of their child’s weight status in 3770 children aged 2–19. Results: Seventy per cent of overweight/obese children and 40.8% of underweight children were perceived having normal weight by parents. In 2‐ to 5‐year‐old overweight children, 91.2% were considered to have normal weight. For a given BMI, primary school age children, adolescents and girls had a higher probability to be assigned as overweight, whereas adolescents and girls had a lower probability to be assigned as underweight. Overweight parents more readily assigned their children as underweight, but there was no effect of parental educational level or parental underweight. Conclusion: Parental ability to recognize overweight or underweight in their offspring was generally poor. The findings emphasize the need for objective criteria based on physical measurements in the routine follow up of children, as parental ability to recognize weight problems in their children is nonreliable.     

Do Parents Accurately Perceive Their Child's Weight Status?

IntroductionFew studies have evaluated the accuracy of parental perceptions of their child's weight status.MethodsA cross-sectional sample of children aged 5 to 12 years and their parents (n = 576 parent-child pairs) was enrolled from four schools. Child height and weight were measured. The parents classified their child on Likert scales ranging from “extremely overweight” to “extremely underweight.” Parental perceptions were compared with their child's weight status according to body mass index (BMI) age-gender percentiles. Fisher-Halton-Freeman tests, χ², and logistic regression were used to compare demographic factors between parents who inaccurately estimated and those who accurately estimated child weight status.ResultsMisclassification occurred 25% of the time (95% confidence interval: 21.4–28.5). All parents of children with a BMI greater than or equal to the 95th percentile classified their child in a category other than “extremely overweight,” and 75% of children with a BMI from the 85th to less than the 95th percentile were misclassified as “about right” or “underweight.” Boys were more likely to be misclassified than were girls (29% vs 21%, P = .03).ConclusionsThe majority of parents of obese and overweight children underestimate their child's weight status. Parents of boys are more likely to perceive their child's weight incorrectly.     

Bullying involvement in primary school and common health problems.

AIMS: To examine the association of direct (e.g. hitting) and relational (e.g. hurtful manipulation of peer relationships) bullying experience with common health problems. METHODS: A total of 1639 children (aged 6-9 years) in 31 primary schools were studied in a cross sectional study that assessed bullying with a structured child interview and common health problems using parent reports. Main outcome measures were common physical (e.g. colds/coughs) and psychosomatic (e.g. night waking) health problems and school absenteeism. RESULTS: Of the children studied, 4.3% were found to be direct bullies, 10.2% bully/victims (i.e. both bully and become victims), and 39.8% victims. Direct bully/victims, victims, and girls were most likely to have physical health symptoms (e.g. repeated sore throats, colds, and coughs). Direct bully/victims, direct victims, and year 2 children were most likely to have high psychosomatic health problems (e.g. poor appetite, worries about going to school). Pure bullies (who never got victimised) had the least physical or psychosomatic health problems. No association between relational bullying and health problems was found. CONCLUSIONS: Direct bullying (e.g. hitting) has only low to moderate associations with common health problems in primary school children. Nevertheless, health professionals seeing children with repeated sore throat, colds, breathing problems, nausea, poor appetite, or school worries should consider bullying as contributory factor.     

Prevalence and awareness of excess weight in 13 and 14 year olds in Northern Ireland using recent international guidelines

Concern has been expressed in recent years over the rising trends in overweight and obesity, particularly in children in developed countries. No recent data were available for Northern Ireland, therefore measurements of height and weight were included in a study in Northern Ireland originally designed as part of an international study to estimate the prevalence of symptoms of asthma and atopy in childhood. Twenty-six schools across the province were sampled. 2484 children aged mainly 13 and 14 y completed questionnaires, and 2307 were weighed and measured. Using recently proposed international guidelines on defining overweight and obesity in children the prevalence of overweight in boys was 16%, with 4% being obese. In girls 16% were also overweight and 2% were obese. This concurs with figures for English and Scottish schoolchildren up to 12 y of age from 1994. Less than one-sixth of obese boys but more than one-third of obese girls were on weight-reducing diets (the majority self-prescribed), reflecting differing attitudes towards excess weight. Conclusion: In line with figures in younger children from England and Scotland this study shows that 16% of boys and girls from Northern Ireland are classed as overweight using recent international guidelines. Only 15% of obese boys compared with 38% of obese girls stated that they were on weight-reducing diets.     

Bullying behaviours and psychosocial health: results from a cross-sectional survey among high school students in Istanbul, Turkey

The aim of this study was to investigate bullying behaviours and their associations with health and health risk behaviours. This study involved completion of the Health Behaviour in School-Aged Children (HBSC) and Youth Self Report (YSR) questionnaires by 3,519 students. Of the students, 59.4% (n=2,091) were neither bullies/nor victims, 22% (n=774) victims, 9.4% (n=331) bully/victims and 9.2% (n=323) bullies. Generally, students involved in bullying behaviours were more likely to have higher YSR scale scores than students who were not involved in bullying behaviours. Bully/victims had higher scores on the YSR subscales than others. Students involved in bullying behaviours were more likely not to use seat belts, to watch TV >or= 4 h/day, to be involved in a physical fight, to skip class and to spend time with friends than students who were not involved in bullying behaviours. Bully/victims and bullies were more likely to smoke cigarettes, to drink alcohol, to be drunk, to play computer games and to be sexually active than others. Bully/victims were more likely to have less educated mothers and to have difficulty in talking to both parents than others. Victims were more likely to have a lower socioeconomic status, to have difficulty in talking to opposite gender friends and to have difficulty in making new friends than others. Bullying behaviour is common and associated with other risk behaviours and psychological health problems in Istanbul high school students. Health professionals should be aware of the influence of bullying on health and particularly on bully/victims' health. There is a strong need for bullying prevention programmes in schools in Turkey.     

Prevalence of flexible flatfoot in Taiwanese school-aged children in relation to obesity, gender, and age

The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of flexible flatfoot in elementary school children in Taiwan and evaluate the relationship between flatfoot and obesity, gender, and age. A sample of 2,083 children, between 7 and 12 years of age from public elementary schools in northern Taiwan was analyzed. Children were stratified into groups according to age: 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, or 12 years old. Demographic information was obtained, and the presence of flatfoot determined by footprint analysis and grading according to Denis flatfoot staging. A total of 1,222 (59%) children were documented with flatfoot. The incidence percentages of flatfoot were: 67% of males, 49% of females, and 75%, 65%, 57%, and 48% of obese, overweight, normal weight, and underweight children, respectively. A preponderance of flatfoot was observed among 8-year-olds. Multivariate analyses indicated that 8- and 9-year-olds were 1.52 and 0.72 times more likely to have flatfoot than 7-year-olds. Males were twice as likely to have flatfoot as females. Children who were obese or overweight were 2.66 and 1.39 times more likely to have flatfoot than those of average weight. The results of this study indicate that the prevalence of flexible flatfoot is highest among males who are obese and overweight, particularly in the age range of 7 to 8 years.     

Profile of bullies and victims among urban school-going adolescents in Gujarat

Objective

To assess the prevalence of bullying, identifying bullies, victims and their associations.

Methods

Questionnaire having ‘Peer Interaction in Primary Schools’ and ‘Strength and Difficulty Questionnaire’ scales, and demographic information was administered to 7th, 8th and 9th graders (N=1106).

Results

Prevalence of bullying was 49%. Boys were more likely to be bullies (P=0.03), whereas students having less friends (P=0.001), overweight/obese (P=0.02), and boys (P<0.001) were more likely to be victims. Association between bullying behavior and poor academic performance was noted.

Conclusions

We found high prevalence of bullying. The reasons for the same and scope of intervention needs further study.

     

Bullying involvement in primary school and common health problems

AIMS—To examine the association of direct (e.g. hitting) and relational (e.g. hurtful manipulation of peer relationships) bullying experience with common health problems.METHODS—A total of 1639 children (aged 6-9 years) in 31 primary schools were studied in a cross sectional study that assessed bullying with a structured child interview and common health problems using parent reports. Main outcome measures were common physical (e.g. colds/coughs) and psychosomatic (e.g. night waking) health problems and school absenteeism.RESULTS—Of the children studied, 4.3% were found to be direct bullies, 10.2% bully/victims (i.e. both bully and become victims), and 39.8% victims. Direct bully/victims, victims, and girls were most likely to have physical health symptoms (e.g. repeated sore throats, colds, and coughs). Direct bully/victims, direct victims, and year 2 children were most likely to have high psychosomatic health problems (e.g. poor appetite, worries about going to school). Pure bullies (who never got victimised) had the least physical or psychosomatic health problems. No association between relational bullying and health problems was found.CONCLUSIONS—Direct bullying (e.g. hitting) has only low to moderate associations with common health problems in primary school children. Nevertheless, health professionals seeing children with repeated sore throat, colds, breathing problems, nausea, poor appetite, or school worries should consider bullying as contributory factor.     

Is there a relationship between overweight and obesity and mental health problems in 4- to 5-year-old Australian children?

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between overweight and obesity, and mental health problems in Australian 4- to 5-year-old children. METHODS: The study used data from wave 1 (2004) of the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children (LSAC). The participants were 4983 4- to 5-year-old children (2537 boys and 2446 girls) with a mean age of 56.9 months (standard deviation 2.6 months; range 51-67 months). Children were classified as nonoverweight, overweight, and obese on the basis of International Obesity Task Force definitions. Mental health problems were assessed by the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) completed by parents and teachers. RESULTS: Although obese 4- to 5-year-old boys had more mental health problems than nonoverweight boys, differences between the groups were small and substantially reduced when analyses controlled for children's sociodemographic characteristics. Parents reported that overweight/obese girls had more peer problems, whereas teachers reported they had more conduct problems. Children in all weight groups had mean scores within the normal range of scores on all the SDQ subscales. CONCLUSIONS: Differences in rates of mental health problems experienced by young children of different weight status appear relatively small. Higher rates of mental health problems experienced by more obese boys may reflect differences in their sociodemographic characteristics rather than their weight status per se. Policies that reduce the number of young children living in poverty or experiencing other adverse social circumstances have the potential to reduce rates of mental health problems experienced by older children with overweight/obesity.     

Birthweight, breast-feeding, parental weight and prevalence of obesity in schoolchildren aged 10–12 years, in Greece; the Physical Activity, Nutrition and Allergies in Children Examined in Athens (PANACEA) study

Background: The purpose of the present study was to determine the prevalence of overweight and obesity in a sample of Greek children aged 10–12 years, and to evaluate these rates in relation to parental weight and birthweight.
Methods: During the 2005–2006 school period, 700 schoolchildren (323 boys, 377 girls) were randomly recruited from 18 schools, in Athens. Height and weight were measured and body mass index (BMI) was calculated. Cut-off points for BMI defining obesity and overweight for gender and age were calculated in accordance with international standards.
Results: Overall, 8.6% of boys and 9.0% of girls were obese, and 33.9% of boys and 22.1% of girls were overweight. Having an obese parent increased the odds of having an overweight or obese child (P < 0.01). Compared to non-breast-fed, boys who were breast-fed for >3 months had 70% lower likelihood of being overweight or obese (P < 0.01) and breast-fed girls had 80% lower odds (P < 0.01). Excessive birthweight (>3500 g) increased by 2.5-fold the likelihood of being overweight or obese only in girls (P < 0.05).
Conclusions: Parental weight, lack of breast-feeding and excess birthweight (in girls) were significant predictors of overweight or obesity in Greek children aged 10–12 years.