engleski

Obesity-related dietary and lifestyle habits of 7 year old children from the cities of Podgorica and Osijek

Introduction: Confirmed obesity risk factors in children related to their dietary and lifestyle habits include less than 30 minutes of daily physical activity, consumption of sugar- sweetened beverages and fast food, prolonged time of computer and TV viewing, and short sleep time. We have previously reported the significant difference in the state of nourishment of 7 year old children from Podgorica and Osijek, obesity being more prevalent in Podgorica. However, dietary and lifestyle obesity-related factors haven’t been assessed in this population. Therefore, the aim was to analyse selected dietary and lifestyle habits of 7 year old children from the cities Osijek and Podgorica. Subjects and Methods: The research is a part of bilateral scientific-research project between Croatia and Montenegro „Comparative study on the impact of poverty on underweight and obesity, and dietary and lifestyle habits among schoolchildren in the cities of Podgorica and Osijek“. Comparative study was conducted on 636 children, 7 years old (453 from Osijek, 183 from Podgorica). Parents completed the study- specific questionnaire, which was used in both countries with language adaptation. Children were measured for height and weight, and their body mass index was calculated. International Obesity Task Force cut-off values were used to assess children's nourishment. Dietary and lifestyle habits selected for the analysis included the following: hours spent in front of TV and PC per day, physical activity per week, hours of sleep per day, and consumption of chocolate sweets, other sweets, salty snacks, fresh fruits and vegetables. Results: Children from Osijek spend less time daily in front of TV (2:09 h vs. 2:25 h) and computer (0:96 h vs. 1:11 h) in comparison to children from Podgorica. However, statistically significant difference was found only for physical activity per week ; children from Osijek are physically active for at least 1 h during 5.7 days/week in comparison to 5.0 days/week in Podgorica (p<0.001). Consumption frequency of selected food groups showed statistically significant difference for salty snacks and fresh vegetables. Salty snacks are consumed less (p=0.008) while fresh vegetables more (p=0.002) in Osijek than in Podgorica. Conclusion: Determined difference in physical activity level, consumption of salty snacks and fresh vegetables could be underlying factors related to more prevalent obesity among the children from Podgorica compared to children from Osijek.

7 year old children, TV and computer viewing, physical activity per week, snacks, fresh vegetables, nourishment

Rezultati znanstveno-istraživačkog bilateralnog projekta između Hrvatske i Crne Gore 2015-2016