Introduction

Nowadays childhood obesity is a major public health problem. The prevalence rates are increasing worldwide, especially in Europe. Overall, in the world there has been an increased intake of energy-dense foods, low in vitamins and minerals, accompanied by a decline in the performance of physical activity, as a result of the new models of society.

Objective

To study the prevalence of overweight and obesity, diet quality and amount of physical activity in children from Extremadura.

Methods

Cross-sectional study of 242 school children between 9 and 12 years old was conducted, with measurement of the BMI, blood parameters, dietary habits and physical activity.

Results

22.4% of males were overweight or obese, while 5.1% of females were overweight and another 8.5% were obese. 64% of males meet normal physical activity recommendations compared to 80% of females. As for the diet, 52.6% of males need to improve diet, compared to 43.1% of females.

Conclusions:

One in five school children are overweight or obese, with the highest prevalence in children. Also, 50% of school children have a poor diet. Most of school children do enough daily physical activity.

By ISMAEL MARTÍNEZ GUARDADO. Research Master Degree, University of Extremadura