Investigating determinants of obesity in 5- to 6-year-old Maltese children

Abstract

Childhood obesity is increasing in most countries worldwide and Malta is no exception. However, local data regarding determinants of obesity is lacking. The aim of this preliminary study was to link some possible determinants of childhood obesity, namely, dietary intake and activity levels with anthropometric data in a sample of 5- to 6-year-old Maltese children and to investigate possible associations with parental body mass index (BMI). Stratified sampling which ensured good gender, geographical and socioeconomic representation and adequate representation from the three school-types (state, church, independent), provided a sample of 66 participants. Anthropometric measurements of children and parents were collected in 2015 and diet and lifestyle factors were assessed through food and activity diaries. The diaries were coded to retrieve energy and macronutrient intake and activity levels of the children. Multiple regression related BMI and waist circumference (WC) with dietary intake, activity levels and parental BMI. Children’s BMI and WC were positively and significantly (rs = 0.71, p < 0.001) correlated. Consumption of Non-Milk Extrinsic Sugars (NMES) were significantly higher for girls than boys (U = 366.0, p = 0.031). Multiple regression analysis yielded a significant positive relationship between NMES with both BMI (t (56) = 3.095, p = 0.003) and WC (t (56) = 3.365, p = 0.002). Paternal and child BMI were positively significantly correlated (rs = 0.372, p = 0.005). NMES intake was one possible contributing factor to obesity and central adiposity with physical activity having a protective effect, whilst sedentary behaviour and fat intake did not appear to be risk factors at this age. Further studies are recommended on larger sample sizes to extensively investigate the effect of different determinants on obesity in this age group and work towards developing nutritional recommendations on a national basis.