Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Overweight and obesity create one of the most serious public health challenges of the 21st century. The aim of this study is to investigate the incidence of overweight and obesity in a group of healthy three- to six-year-olds in İzmir Metropolitan Central Districts and to examine the risk factors of obesity.

METHODS

A total of 413 children were reached in this cross-sectional study. A questionnaire was completed with families about sociodemographic status, perinatal and growth factors, dietary behaviors, screen time, attendance to a daycare or school and familial overweight and obesity. Weight and length of the children were measured, BMI values were calculated. Statistical analyses were performed using chi-square test and logistic regression model.

RESULTS

In our study group, whose mean age was 56.7±9.3 months, prevalence of overweight and obesity were 10.4% and 13.1 %, respectively. Gender was not significantly related with overweight and obesity (p=0.850). Birth weight (p=0.045), weight at one year of age (p<0.001), regular meal consumption (p=0.019), attendance to a daycare or school (p=0.016), paternal BMI values (p<0.001) and absence of health insurance (p=0.031) were significantly related with childhood overweight and obesity. When put into logistic regression model, weight at one year of age (p=0.001), attendance to a daycare or school (p=0.006), absence of siblings (p=0,017) and absence of health insurance (p=0.048) were documented as risk factors for obesity too.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

Present study suggests that educational programs about regular sporting activity and complementary nutrition like breast feeding programs; are necessary for both parents and children.