Aim: This study examined the pattern of sedentary behaviour during the week and on weekends and associations with health outcomes among children aged 5-7 years in Sweden.
Methods: This cross-sectional study used data from 342 children, many of whom had at least one parent born outside the Nordic region. Physical activity and sedentary time were measured by accelerometry. A sedentary bout was defined as 1-4 and 5-9 min. Diet, time in front of television or computer screen, sleep and physical activity behaviour were measured via parental reports, and anthropometric data by research staff.
Results: The number of sedentary bouts was higher on weekends than on weekdays. Compared to girls, boys had more 1-4 min bouts on both weekdays and weekend days, and more 5-9 min bouts on weekends. A higher number of 5-9 min bouts was associated with a higher body mass index and waist circumference.
Conclusion: This study showed an association between sedentary activity and weight status in children as young as 5-7 years. Reducing time, especially longer bouts, spent in sedentary activities may encourage healthy weight development in children.
Keywords: A Healthy School Start; diet; health promotion; physical activity; screen time.
© 2021 The Authors. Acta Paediatrica published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Foundation Acta Paediatrica.