Cambridge Journals Online

Research Article

Physical activity and diet in 5 to 7 years old children

Manfred James Müllera1 c1, Inga Koertzingera1, Mareike Masta1, Kristina Langnäsea1 and Andreas Grunda1 a1 Institut für Humanernährung und Lebensmittelkunde, Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel, Düsternbrooker Weg 14, D-24105 Kiel, Germany

Article author query müller mj   koertzinger i   mast m   langnäse k   grund a

Abstract

Objective: To assess the possible associations between physical activity, diet, social state and overweight in children.

Design: Crossectional study on 1468 children aged between 5 and 7 years old in Kiel, northwest Germany.

Methods: Assessment of physical activity and social factors by a questionnaire, food frequency record, body composition analysis by anthropometrics and bioelectrical impedance analysis.

Results: 23% of our children were overweight or obese. Low levels of physical activity (as assessed by TV viewing time) were associated with increased body mass index and a higher prevalence of overweight. TV-viewing of more than 1 h per day was associated with a high consumption fast food, sweets, chips and pizza whereas fruits and vegetables were less frequently consumed. Overweight, inactivity and unhealthy eating habits were seen more frequently in families with a low social status.

Conclusions: In 5 to 7 years old children, overweight is associated with physical inactivity, unhealthy eating habits and a low social status. Primary prevention efforts should be directed to low income families.

(Accepted May 14 1999)

Key Words: Overweight and obesity in children; Physical activity; Inactivity; Childhood nutrition; Social state

Correspondence:

^c1 Corresponding author: Email: mmueller@nutrfoodsc.uni-kiel.de