Objective: To assess the possible associations between physical activity, diet, social state and overweight in children.
Design: Cross-sectional study on 1468 children aged between 5 and 7 years old in Kiel, northwest Germany.
Methods: Assessment of physical activity and social factors by a questionnaire, food frequency record, body composition analysis by anthropometrics and bioelectrical impedance analysis.
Results: 23% of our children were overweight or obese. Low levels of physical activity (as assessed by TV viewing time) were associated with increased body mass index and a higher prevalence of overweight. TV-viewing of more than 1 h per day was associated with a high consumption fast food, sweets, chips and pizza whereas fruits and vegetables were less frequently consumed. Overweight, inactivity and unhealthy eating habits were seen more frequently in families with a low social status.
Conclusions: In 5 to 7 years old children, overweight is associated with physical inactivity, unhealthy eating habits and a low social status. Primary prevention efforts should be directed to low income families.