Do parental risk factors for type 2 diabetes predict offspring risk of overweight and obesity? The Feel4Diabetes study

Community childhood obesity assessment in elementary school, anthropometric indices as screening tools: a community cross-sectional study in Indonesia

Background

Representative anthropometric epidemiological data are needed to formulate screening and intervention methods to prevent obesity in children. This study aims to conduct community childhood obesity assessment in elementary school based on anthropometric measurements and evaluate its predictive value.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was carried out in Palembang, Indonesia, and involved 1180 elementary school students. The anthropometric parameters were divided into (1) basic data: stature, weight and waist circumference (WC), hip circumference (HC); (2) structural dimensions: the segmental dimensions of head-neck, trunk, upper extremity, hand, lower extremity and foot and (3) postural dimensions: the relative spacial dimensions when standing. Six anthropometric indices were considered: body mass index, waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), Conicity Index (CI), Body Adiposity Index (BAI) and Tri-ponderal Mass Index (TMI).

Results

The proportion of overweight and obesity was 50.17% (n=592) and normal weight was 49.83% (n=588). The mean age was 8.26±1.71 years. The averages of all measured indices in overweight/obese versus normal weight were significant difference among boys and girls in height, weight, WC, HC, neck circumference, WHR, WHtR, neck-to-height ratio, BAI, TMI and CI (p<0.05 for all). TMI was the best predictor of obesity based on area under the curve (AUC) values, both in boys (sensitivity=90.48; specificity=91.53; AUC=0.975) and in girls (sensitivity=90.28; specificity=90.00; AUC=0.968).

Conclusions

A trustworthy anthropometric database of primary school students might be a helpful local resource when working on projects involving children. In order to improve the quality of life through better-suited and secure products and environmental designs, it is crucial to build an anthropometric database.

Body Mass Index Profile and Its Association with Social Determinants Among Adolescents from Jazan, Saudi Arabia

Purpose

Assess adolescents' body mass index (BMI) profile and the association between BMI category and social determinants.

Methods

This cross-sectional study targeted adolescents aged between 12 and 19 from Jazan, Saudi Arabia. Data was collected via an online self-administered questionnaire during 2023. The tailored questionnaire measured items related to student demographics, their history of diagnosed chronic conditions, their familial history of chronic diseases, and their eating behavior. A standard chi-square test investigated the relationship between BMI category and social determinants.

Results

Five hundred and seventy students completed the study's questionnaire. The mean age of the sample was 16 (SD: 1.9), and most of the respondents were female (60%). Among the recruited sample, 107 students (20%) are categorized as underweight, while 121 students (22%) are classified as either overweight or obese according to their age. The respondents' eating behavior indicated that the most frequently consumed meal was dinner, and the majority skipped breakfast some days of the week. Nearly one-third of the sample exhibited emotional eating. Low consumption of healthier food options, such as fruits, vegetables, low-fat products, and whole grain products among the adolescents was noted. An assessment of BMI level distribution among the respondents according to their demographic characteristics indicated a higher frequency of overweight and obesity among male adolescents, students in the secondary level, students living with a lower number of siblings, and students with a parental history of diabetes, obesity, and dyslipidemia (p values < 0.05).

Conclusion

A high frequency of BMI abnormality among adolescents was detected. Dietary behavior among the respondents suggests the presence of several unhealthy behaviors. The results of the current study detected an important influence of the family on weight status among these adolescents.