RELATIONSHIP
BETWEEN LIFE-STYLE AND OBESITY IN KINDERGARTEN CHILDREN RESIDING IN A
DORMITORY VERSUS THOSE RESIDING AT HOME IN BEIJING
Li S-L 1, Mu L-Y2,
Yuan R-L3, Jiao H1
1
Beijing Children's
Hospital, Beijing, China
2 Fu Sui
Jing Hospotal, Beijing, China
3
Xi Cheng Health
Bureau Beijing, China
Objective: To
clarify relationship between life-style and obesity in children in Beijing
recently.
Methods:
The study involved 338 children in 1997, 225 in 1999 ranging from 3 to 5
years old. Obesity was defined when obesity index [OI: (weight/standard
weight for height and sex) ¡Á100 ] over than 120%. The
questionnaire was performed to each family about diet, physical activity
and familial related matter.
Results:
The prevalence of obesity increased from 5.3% in 1997 to 7.1% in 1999. In
children residing at home (H), the prevalence had no change, 8.0% in 1997
to 8.1% in 1999. However in those residing in a dormitory (D), the
prevalence increased from 2.6% to 5.3%. And the prevalence was
significantly higher in H than in D. Their life-style was investigated. The
out door playing time was significantly longer in D than in H, and TV
viewing time/in door plying time was significantly longer in D than in H,
and TV viewing time/in door plying time was not different. The total intake
of the major food items (rice, wheat, meat, vegetables and sweets) was
significantly higher in H.
Conclusions: It has become clear that obese children have been increasing.
This was probably because of the change of life-style caused by recent
urbanization in Beijing. Some preventive intervention should be started as
soon as possible.