Nourishment status and its altering factors in children at the age of 7 and 9

Abstract

Both, under and overnutrition in childhood have long-lasting consequences, but for the first time in history, the number of obese children surpassed the number of malnourished. We aimed to compare nourishment status of children at the age of 7 and 9 years, by using two criteria, and to analyse the role of parental, family and nutrition. 207 children from Eastern Croatia were recruited. Anthropometrics were measured at the age of 7 and 9 years, and the remaining data (birth, parental and family characteristics, and basic nutrition information) were obtained from children’s medical records. Nourishment status was assessed by using Croatia’s national and International Obesity Task Force criteria. The share of overweight and obese children increased over time, regardless of the criteria used. However, according to the national criteria, the number of underweight children increased, while according to the International Obesity Task Force criteria dropped over time. Higher Body Mass Index was found in children of parents with lower education. Obese children had more meals during a day and lower meat consumption during a week in comparison to other children. Significant correlation was found between children’s Ponderal Index, Cardiometabolic Risk and Body Mass Index. National criteria provides better assessment of nourishment status, but for the purpose of cross-country or cross-regional comparisons, International Obesity Task Force criteria is more appropriate. Parental education and some nutritional characteristic influence child’s risk of overweight/obesity