The association of socio-economic determinants, dietary intake, self-perception and weight control behaviours with childhood overweight and obesity : A secondary analysis of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2013-2014 among chi

Sammanfattning: Background: Risk factors for childhood obesity include unhealthy diet, physical inactivity and lack of knowledge about nutrition and health. The purpose of this study was to investigate the potential associations between socio-economic determinants, dietary intake, self-perception, weight control behaviours and childhood overweight and obesity.   Methods: Cross-sectional data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2013-2014 in the United States was examined. The sample included participants age 2-19, whose measured BMI indicated ‘normal weight’ or ‘overweight or obese’. The relationship between socio-economic determinants and dietary intake with BMI status was analysed using multiple logistic regression. Differences in self-perception of weight and associated weight control behaviours in relation to BMI status were examined in a sub-sample of youth age 8-15.   Results: School age (6-11 years) and adolescence (12-19 years); Mexican American, Other Hispanic and Black ethnicity; and household size of maximum two persons were significantly associated with increased odds of childhood overweight/obesity, while Asian ethnicity and above-mean household income (>$64,999) showed a protective effect. There was no statistically significant relationship between dietary intake patterns and BMI status. Only 39% of overweight youth age 8-15 identified their weight status correctly. Weight-loss attempts were common among youth, 62% had tried to lose weight in the past year.   Conclusion: Significant associations between children’s BMI status and the socio-economic determinants age, ethnicity, household size and income highlight the importance of tailored prevention efforts. Incorrect self-perception of weight and weight control behaviours were common among children and adolescents.