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Perspectivas en Nutrición Humana
Print version ISSN 0124-4108
Abstract
SOLARI MONTENEGRO, Guido Clemente et al. Physical Activity, Nutritional Status, and Habitual Dietary Intake in School Children in the North of Chile. Perspect Nut Hum [online]. 2019, vol.21, n.1, pp.27-40. ISSN 0124-4108. https://doi.org/10.17533/udea.penh.v21n1a03.
Background:
The prevalence of obesity in school-aged children in Chile tripled from 5.8 % in 1987 to 17 % in 2000.
Objective:
Identify physical activity habits, nutritional status, and food consumption patterns in first graders in the city of Taltal, Chile.
Materials and Methods:
Observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study of 94 students 6.5 ± 0.5 years of age in Taltal, Chile to explore physical activity, food intake, and nutritional status as measured by BMI and waist circumference.
Results:
According to BMI, 58.5 % of the sample had excess weight; 23.4 % obese and 5.3 % severely obese, with higher prevalences observed in males (p=0.035 and p=0.014 respectively). 28 % of both males and females were overweight (p>0.05). Of the foods consumed at snack and lunch, 78 % were high in fat and 16.8 % low in fat content. Only 41.5 % of subjects both male and female (p<0.05) participated in regular physical activity.
Conclusions:
As measured by BMI, 58.3 % of students were overweight or obese, with obesity more prevalent in males. Both sexes consumed a majority of foods with a high fat content and 66 % of students are sedentary.
Keywords : Dietary habits; physical activity; nutrition; overweight; obesity.