Factors associated with overweight among elementary schoolchildren in Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil

Abstract

Objective
To assess overweight/obesity of elementary schoolchildren in Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil, and its association with parental nutritional status, children’s food consumption, food preferences, and level of physical activity, and familial socioeconomic status.

Methods
This case-control study included 509 schoolchildren aged 7 to 10 years. Body mass index Z-score was used to determine nutritional status, defining cases (>+1 Z-score) and controls (≥-2 ≤+1 Z-score). To address association with overweight/obesity, a conceptual model was established and used for multiple analysis, performed by logistic regression.

Results
The children had an overweight/obesity frequency of 39.5%. Multiple analysis adjusted for socioeconomic level showed that overweight/obese children were more likely to eat at the mall (1.55; 95%CI=1.00-2.40), have overweight and obese parents (OR=1.71; 95%CI=1.08-2.71 and OR=3.55; 95%CI=2.18-5.80 respectively), report use of passive school transport (OR=1.57; 95%CI=1.04-2.36), and consume chicken nuggets on 3 or more days per week (OR=3.03; 95%CI=1.32-6.95).

Conclusion
These results support the urgent need of strategies to reduce overweight/obesity and promote its prevention in schoolchildren. Moreover, intervention studies involving parents and addressing environmental factors are important for the development of effective programs.