Abstract
Obesity in children is a health crisis because the problem is increasing in most developed countries.
This study measures the relationship between body mass index (BMI) of children aged 7 - 12
years residing in Luxembourg and the weight and socioeconomic status of their parents. The data
used are from the 2007 Socio-Economic Panel Liewen zu Lëtzebuerg/European Union-Statistics on
Income and Living Conditions survey, which covers a population of approximately 10,000 people.
The study sample includes 775 children whose weight and height were recorded to calculate their
BMI. The descriptive analysis with the socioeconomic distribution of the children's BMI and the
multilevel logistic regression of the probability to be in overweight or obese were performed. The
mean BMI of children was 17.4 kg/m² for boys and girls. The prevalence of overweight was 21.2%
(including 3% who were obese). Weight status, educational level, physical activity, and eating
habits of parents were associated with BMI in children. Furthermore, children of foreign nationality
had 2.9 times more risk to be overweight or obese than other children of Luxembourg nationality
(OR = 2.90, 95%CI: 1.38 - 6.10). Children living in household with at least one parent who was
obese were 6.51 times more likely to be in overweight or obese compared to those in household
with both parents normal (OR = 6.51, 95%CI: 2.48 - 17.08). Overall, nationality and weight status
of parents were the main determinants of children's weight status. Promoting healthy diets and
regular physical activity and educating parents on the consequences of overweight and obesity on
children's health in adulthood are effective strategies to control overweight and obesity.
Original language | English |
---|---|
Pages (from-to) | 2322-2332 |
Journal | Health |
Volume | 6 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 1 Jan 2014 |
Keywords
- BMI
- Chilfren
- Luxembourg
- Obesity
- Socioeconomic Status