Children’s Body Mass Index Depending on Dietary Patterns, the Use of Technological Devices, the Internet and Sleep on BMI in Children

Abstract

Due to the increase in overweight as well as obesity in children, the researchers undertook the studies to determine the occurrence of these irregularities and identify the factors leading to them. The study aimed to assess the body mass index of the children subcategorized and compared depending on the dietary patterns, the use of technical devices, the Internet, and sleeping habits. The study group consisted of 376 children (189 girls and 187 boys) aged 6 to 15. The body composition estimates were obtained with the use of a foot-to-foot bioelectrical impedance analysis, the body height was measured by means of a stadiometer, and blood pressure was monitored. The research questionnaire was distributed among the surveyed and included the question concerning the children’s lifestyle, eating and sleeping habits, the use of electronic devices, the Internet, and socio-demographic data. As indicated, the number of sleeping hours per day significantly negatively correlated with body mass index (BMI), whereas the frequency of using the smartphone had a positive correlation with BMI. The children who sleep less and spend more time using the smartphone had higher BMI values. Bearing in mind the conditions that may have an influence on the BMI of early-school age children, the emphasis must be placed on healthy lifestyle education among children and parents alike.