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Dietary intake, physical activity and waist circumference in pre-adolescent children

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  17 March 2010

S. G. Fleming ,
J. L. Bowtell  and
G. J. Davies
S. G. Fleming
Affiliation:
London South Bank University, London, UK
J. L. Bowtell
Affiliation:
London South Bank University, London, UK
G. J. Davies
Affiliation:
London South Bank University, London, UK
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Abstract

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Abstract
Information
Proceedings of the Nutrition Society , Volume 69 , Issue OCE1: Over- and undernutrition: challenges and approaches. 29 June–2 July 2009 , 2010 , E71
Copyright
Copyright © The Authors 2009

Greater central adiposity in childhood may increase the propensity for cardiovascular risk factors in later life(Reference Caprio, Hyman and McCarthy1–Reference McCarthy, Jarrett and Emmett3). The aim of the present study was to examine associations between anthropometric measures, nutrient intakes and physical activity levels in pre-adolescent schoolchildren.

Healthy and overweight children aged 7–13 years were recruited from Inner London schools. The purpose and the requirements of the study were explained to the children (n 441) at school and those interested in taking part were given a study information pack. Written informed consent was received from parents or guardians for ninety-five children (response rate of 22%).

Anthropometric measurements (height, body weight and waist circumference) were taken from each child. Subjects completed a 3 d weighed-food diary and a 7 d physical activity diary. Nutrient intake was estimated by dietary analysis software (CompEatTM version 5.8.0; Nutrition Systems, Grantham, Lincs., UK). Data from thirty of the ninety-five subjects were included in the study because of incomplete food and physical activity diaries. Mean nutrient intakes were compared with dietary reference values (DRV)(Reference McCarthy, Jarrett and Emmett3) using one sample t tests.

EI, energy intake; VLA, very light activity; MVPA, moderate–vigorous activity.

Mean energy intakes were within the DRV for age and gender. However, mean percentage energy intake from SFA was significantly above the recommended guideline of 11% (P=0.03). In addition, percentage energy from sugar significantly exceeded guidelines (P=0.00). One in three of the subjects measured were overweight (waist circumference >91st centile). These overweight boys and girls with excess intakes of dietary SFA and sugar and low levels of physical activity may be at increased risk of ill-health in later life.

References

1. Caprio, S, Hyman, LD, McCarthy, S et al. . (1996) Am J Clin Nutr 64, 12–17.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
2. McCarthy, HD, Ellis, SM & Cole, TJ (2003) Br Med J 326, 624–627.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
3. McCarthy, HD, Jarrett, KV, Emmett, PM et al. . (2005) Int J Obes (Lond) 29, 157–162.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
4. Department of Health (1991) Dietary Reference Values for Food Energy and Nutrients for the UK. London: H. M. Stationery Office.Google Scholar