Physical activity, sedentary behaviour and dietary habits in 5- to 10-year-old overweight children attending a school in Bogota, Colombia

Background: Childhood obesity is a problem affecting the 21st century, according to the World Health Organization. The ENSIN 2010 reported 18.9% of children aged 5 to 9 years-old being overweight.

Objective. Ascertaining the physical activity, sedentary behaviour and dietary habits of 5- to 10-year-old overweight children attending a school in Bogota, Colombia.

Materials and methods: This study involved anthropometric nutritional assessment (H/A and BMI/A) using WHO growth standards 2006-2007 and Resolution 2121 and WHO cutoff points. Physical activity was measured by pedometer, sedentary activities and habits were assessed by survey and energy was evaluated by 3-day record of food intake. Microsoft Excel 2011 for Mac and EpiInfo 7 were used for data analysis (descriptive statistics).

Results: Average age was 8 years 5 months (± 1 year and 3 months); 53.8% of the sample was male. BMI showed that 41.8% were obese, 7,462±3,028 steps/day were recorded, 57.8% were classified as being sedentary students (sedentary activities lasted 2-4 hours/day (52.6%) and energy expenditure was 1,842±464 kcal/day. Recommended dietary allowance (RDA) regarding calorie distribution was 15±1% protein, 30±4% fat and 56±4% carbohydrates.

Conclusions: It was found that students had excess weight, were sedentary and had a low level of physical activity. Sedentary activities lasted more than two hours per day and energy intake was increased regarding the norm for this agegroup; however, RDA concerning total calories was adequate for such age-group.