Risk Factors Contributing to Overweight among Preschool Children

The aims of this case control study were to investigate host, agent and environmental factors, based on an Ecological-Epidemiological conceptual framework, as determinants of overweight among preschool children. Data were collected by measuring height and weight of preschool children, 36-60 months old, to identify their nutritional status according to growth charts for 2 to 7 year old Thais. All primary caregivers of 102 overweight children (case), and 513 normal weight children (control), provided personal and family data. Multivariate analysis demonstrated predictive risk factors for children being overweight included: being male; scoring high in food responsiveness; enjoying food; eating food high in fruit fiber; drinking yogurt; watching television more than 2 hours every weekday; and/or, having a mother who was obese or used low pressure feeding techniques. In addition, two healthy behaviors (low intake of sweetened fresh milk/cocoa/yogurt and playing ball) were found to be associated with overweight children; suggesting overweight children engage in some form of healthy behavior. The results may be used to guide the development of health promotion intervention programs, increase awareness of the risk of preschool children becoming overweight and educate families regarding healthier activities and dietary practices.