Abstract:

Objective  To investigate the risk factors for simple obesity in children from community kindergartens in Shanghai City in order to supply scientific evidence for prevention and management of this condition on community basis. Methods  A total of 490 children, aged 3 to 6 years from 3 separate community kindergartens, were subjected to obesity screening by measuring their height and weight. Forty-eight children were finally screened as simple obesity, and another 48 healthy children were included as case-controls. The two groups of children were provided with 24-hour dietary nutrition for consecutive 3 days, received questionnaire response, including their family information as well as living styles and behaviors. The data obtained were double entry into the computer and analyzed with a specific statistical software for child health monitoring. Results  The average obesity rate in children was 9.80% (48/490), in which 10% were boys and 9.62%, girls. Simple obesity appeared more prevalent in children aged 5 to 6 years, yet its severity was primarily mild(58.33%). The major risk factors were associated with dietary nutrition, individual dietary habits, family genetic and lack of exercises. Conclusion  The simple obesity rate in children from Hongmei community seems over the average level of Shanghai City. The risk factors for prevalence of simple obesity in these kindergartens are associated with excessive intake of nutritional foods, lack of regular exercise, family genetic and daily favor to meat.

Key words: Children, Simple obesity, Risk factors