Association of Obesity with Food Choices among Children Between Age Group of 5 To 12 Years in Different Areas of Lahore

Obesity & Food Choices in Children of Lahore

Abstract

The relationship between the socioeconomic status (SES) of parents and the effect of socio-economic status on the food intake pattern of their children was examined in this study. Children of low SES generally have poorer diets than children of high SES. Objective: To observe the association of child obesity with food choices in different areas of Lahore Methods: Data were collected from 38 participants, from different areas of Lahore, Pakistan. From which 20 were female and 18 were male children. Their parents were requested to solve a questionnaire which comprised of different questions related to child age, height, weight, eating habits and parent’s socioeconomic status and their education. Results: Study showed that children growing up in families with a lower SES had a higher body mass index (BMI), lower quality of life, less healthy nutrition, and less physical activity as compared to children growing up in families with a higher SES.  The food frequency questionnaire showed that children belonging to lower SES consumed 17% grains, 18% dairy sources, 16% vegetables, 12% pluses and lentils, 0% meat, 11% fruits, and 13% tea and coffee in a day. While children belonging to higher SES consumed 17% grains, 29% dairy sources, 6% vegetables, 2% pulses and lentils, 13% meat, 13% fruits, and 7% tea and coffee daily. Conclusions: SES has an exquisite impact at the food alternatives and food intake among college-going youngsters. Lower SES children devour greater veggies, less meat, and dairy products at the same time as better SES kids devour fewer vegetables and extra meat and dairy products. Children from DHA were more obese and they were consuming more protein based diet and practicing sedentary life style.