Alimentation, activité physique et surpoids chez des enfants de l’est Algérien

The prevalence of overweight and obesity were measured in a sample of 251 children aged 8 to 12 year in an urban area of the Eastern part of Algeria. IOTF references are used in order to define overweight and obesity.The overall prevalence of overweight and obesity is 21.5 %. 15.9 %. Overweight alone is found in 15.9% and obesity in 5,6 % of the children. Obese children consume less often a breakfast and less milk than that normal weight children and eat more often high fat, high carbohydrates foods. Mean caloric intakes are similar. Meals and snacking take often place while watching television. Energy percent derived from proteins but not their absolute amount and fat intakes are higher in overweight children. Most of the overweight children (78 %) do not practice any sport activity. Fat intake adjusted on energy intake is positively correlated with sport duration.This preliminary study suggest that childhood obesity is now a public health threat in Algeria.