A Study of the Relationship between Childhood Obesity and Beverage Intake

Oh, Ji Hyun; Kwak, In Keun; Yang, Seung; Hwang, Il Tae; Jung, Ji Ah; Lee, Hae Ran

Abstract

PURPOSE
The rising prevalence of childhood obesity may be due to an energy imbalance between food intake and energy expenditure. Recently, consumption of beverages in children has increased. The aim of this study is to provide useful information for the prevention and the control of childhood obesity by assessment of variable beverage consumption.
METHODS
Fight hundred seventy seven children(M : F=1 : 1.02, mean age; 9.7 years) from two primary schools in Seoul in May 2003 were enrolled. Body mass index(BMI) was calculated and the degree of obesity was classified into normal, overweight and obese groups by BMI percentile. Parental BMI, socio-economic factor, 3-day dietary intake, calory intake and beverage intake were examined by questionnaires. We researched beverages and classified them into six categories, milk, other milk products, soda, sports beverage, other beverage.
RESULTS
The prevalence of obesity was 7.2%. The parental BMI of the obese group were higher than those of the other groups. There was no significant difference in birth weight, or parents' intellectual and economic levels between the obese group and the other groups. There was no significant difference in daily total calory intake between the obese group and the other groups. The obese group of 7-9 year-old-males was higher than the other groups in sodas, and sports beverages intake. The obese group of 10-12 year-old-males was higher than the other groups in total beverage intake and other beverage intakes. The obese group of 10-12 year-old-females was higher than the other groups in other milk products.
CONCLUSION
Excessive intake of beverages is associated with childhood obesity. Efforts to decrease intake of beverages may be important approaches to counter the rise in the prevalence of obesity.