Probl Hig Epidemiol 2016, 97(4): 341-347pl

Comparison of selected lifestyle components in 12 year old children from Zamość and Warsaw. Part I - body composition and nutritional habits

Anna Głębocka, Anna Kęska

Zakład Biochemii i Biologii, Katedra Nauk Biomedycznych, Wydział Wychowania Fizycznego, Akademia Wychowania Fizycznego w Warszawie

Summary
Introduction. In Poland, similarly to other countries, it is observed an increase in the prevalence of overweight and obesity among children and adolescents. One of the reasons for this are incorrect dietary habits among teenagers.
Aim. The aim of the study was to compare body composition and nutritional habits of year 6 primary school children (12 years old) living in Warsaw and Zamość.
Material & Method. The study group consisted of 178 children (92 girls and 86 boys), aged 11-13 years old. Among them 85 (48%) pupils were from Warsaw and 93 (52%) from Zamość. Participants´ body composition was evaluated by bioelectrical impedance method while their nutritional habits were assessed using a questionnaire.
Results. Overweight was observed in 18% of girls and 13% of boys, whereas obesity occurred in 12% of girls and 11% of boys. There were no statistically significant differences between children from Warsaw and Zamość found in their anthropometric characteristics, or nutritional habits. The only essential difference was detected in body fat content which was about 4% higher in girls than in boys, regardless of their place of living.
Conclusion. The place of living is not a determining factor for teenagers body composition, or dietary habits (or at least, not in cities not having enough differences in urbanization such as Warsaw and Zamość). The high incidence of overweight and obesity in 12 year old children points to the need for more effective measures to promote healthy eating habits in this age group.

Key words:  nutritional status, body composition, place of living, pupils, food habits