Objective: To estimate, for the first time, overweight prevalence and associated characteristics in a representative sample of prepubertal children in Beirut, Lebanon's capital.
Design: A cross-sectional study with a home interview including measurements of weight and height and a structured questionnaire.
Subjects: A total of 234 children aged 6-8 years in Beirut: 131 boys, 103 girls.
Methods: Prevalence of overweight and obesity was based on the international cut-off points for body mass index (BMI) by age and gender proposed by the International Obesity Task Force. The characteristics of overweight examined were: age, gender, household and family size, single- vs. two-parent family, parents' level of education and profession, physical activity and dietary intake of children.
Results: Prevalence of overweight and obesity was 26% and 7% respectively in boys, 25% and 6% in girls. Overweight was significantly associated with low physical activity (P < 0.05) and mother's BMI (P < 0.05).
Conclusions: This study identified a high proportion of overweight in 6- to 8-year-old children in Beirut. Reduced physical activity was the most significant factor associated with childhood overweight. Further studies in different regions in Lebanon are necessary to identify national characteristics; prevention efforts will be designed accordingly.
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