Overweight children in Beirut: prevalence estimates and characteristics.
OBJECTIVE
To estimate, for the first time, overweight prevalence and associated characteristics in a representative sample of prepubertal children in Beirut, Lebanon's capital.


METHODS
A cross-sectional study with a home interview including measurements of weight and height and a structured questionnaire.


METHODS
A total of 234 children aged 6-8 years in Beirut: 131 boys, 103 girls.


METHODS
Prevalence of overweight and obesity was based on the international cut-off points for body mass index (BMI) by age and gender proposed by the International Obesity Task Force. The characteristics of overweight examined were: age, gender, household and family size, single- vs. two-parent family, parents' level of education and profession, physical activity and dietary intake of children.


RESULTS
Prevalence of overweight and obesity was 26% and 7% respectively in boys, 25% and 6% in girls. Overweight was significantly associated with low physical activity (P < 0.05) and mother's BMI (P < 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
This study identified a high proportion of overweight in 6- to 8-year-old children in Beirut. Reduced physical activity was the most significant factor associated with childhood overweight. Further studies in different regions in Lebanon are necessary to identify national characteristics; prevention efforts will be designed accordingly.
Jabre
P
P
Department of Family Medicine, Saint Joseph Unviersity, Beirut, Lebanon. pattyjabre@hotmail.com
Sikias
P
P
Khater-Menassa
B
B
Baddoura
R
R
Awada
H
H
D017677:Age Distribution; D001827:Body Height / Q000502:physiology; D015992:Body Mass Index; D001835:Body Weight / Q000502:physiology; D002648:Child; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004032:Diet; D015444:Exercise; D005191:Family Characteristics; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007861:Lebanon / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D009035:Mothers; D009765:Obesity / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D015995:Prevalence; D011998:Recreation; D017678:Sex Distribution