Differences in weight status and energy-balance related behaviors among schoolchildren across Europe: The ENERGY-project

Brug, Johannes; te Velde, Saskia J.; Chinapaw, Mai J. M.; Bourdeaudhuij, Ilse de; Lien, Nanna; Bere, Elling; Maskini, Victoria; Singh, Amika S.; Maes, Lea; Moreno, Luis; Jan, Nataša; Kovacs, Eva; Lobstein, Tim and Manios, Yannis (2012): Differences in weight status and energy-balance related behaviors among schoolchildren across Europe: The ENERGY-project.
In: PloS one 7(4), e34742

Abstract

BACKGROUND Current data on the prevalence of overweight and energy-balance behaviors among European children is necessary to inform overweight prevention interventions. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS A school-based survey among 10-12 year old children was conducted in seven European countries using a standardized protocol. Weight, height, and waist circumference were measured; Engagement in physical activity, sedentary and dietary behaviors, and sleep duration were self-reported. Descriptive analyses were conducted, looking at differences according to country, gender, and parental education. 7234 children (52%girls; 11.6 ± 0.7 years) participated. 25.8% and 5.4% of boys, and 21.8% and 4.1% of girls were overweight (including obese) and obese (according to International Obesity Task Force criteria), respectively. Higher prevalence of overweight/obesity was observed in Greece, Hungary, Slovenia and Spain than in Belgium, Netherlands and Norway. Large differences between countries were found in intakes of sugar-sweetened beverages, breakfast, active transport, TV and computer time. More favorable overweight status and behavior patterns were found in girls than boys and in children of higher educated parents than in children of lower educated parents. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE High levels and striking differences in overweight status and potential risk behaviors were found among schoolchildren across Europe.

• Item Type: Journal article
• Keywords: Analysis of Variance; Body Height; Body Mass Index; Body Weight; Child; Child Behavior/physiology; Diet; Educational Status; Europe/epidemiology; Feeding Behavior/physiology; Female; Humans; Male; Motor Activity; Multivariate Analysis; Overweight/epidemiology/prevention & control; Prevalence; Sex Factors; Surveys and Questionnaires; Waist Circumference
• Faculties: Medicine > Institute for Medical Information Processing, Biometry and Epidemiology; Medicine > Institute for Medical Information Processing, Biometry and Epidemiology > Epidemiology of Vertigo and Dizziness
• Subjects: 600 Technology > 610 Medicine and health
• ISSN: 1932-6203
• Language: English