Sobrepeso y obesidad en infancias de Bariloche, Argentina: más allá de la alimentación y la actividad física

Abstract

The incidence of overweight and obesity is alarming worldwide. In Argentina, multifactorial studies are scarce despite the high rates of overweight and obesity in the child population. In this study, we evaluated the prevalence of overweight and obesity in children and their associated risk factors from a multicausal perspective. We analyzed sleep habits, screen use, chronic stress in children and their caregivers, social relationship problems, diet, and physical activity.

Of the 397 first- and seventh-grade children who completed the questionnaires, 41% presented overweight or obesity. Children with obesity showed lower levels of physical activity, lower consumption of protective foods, higher risk of sleep disorders, higher levels of chronic stress both in children and their caregivers, and a higher peer rejection index. Widespread screen use before bedtime was observed in most children.

This study demonstrates the diversity of factors associated with this issue and highlights the importance of using a multidimensional approach to address childhood obesity. Likewise, the results suggest the need to consider lifestyle habits as a preventive and therapeutic strategy for the treatment of this disease from early stages.