How do non genetic factors affect overweight children in Bangkok?

Abstract

Rapid changes in the tremendous figure of childhood overweight indicate that genetic factors are not the primary determinants since human genes have remained unchanged for a century. This study aims to assess the
prevalence of childhood overweight and to investigate the non genetic factors affecting childhood overweight. A cross-sectional school based survey was conducted. A two-stage sampling was adopted. Respondents included 1,863 students in grades 4 to 6 in Bangkok. An anthropometric measurement and questionnaire were developed. Childhood overweight was defined as a weight-for-height Z-score above +2 SD of NCHS/WHO references.

Thirty six percent of the children were overweight. Stepwise multiple logistic regression analysis showed that 8 statistically significant non genetic factors explain the variation of childhood overweight by 18 percent. Sex is
the prime factor to explain the variation of childhood overweight, followed by duration of light physical activities, duration of moderate physical activities, having been breastfed, the presence of a healthy role model of the caregiver, number of siblings, birth order, and occupation of the caregiver, respectively.

Non genetic factors, especially the subjects’ demographic and physical activities, as well as the caregivers’
background and family environment, should be considered in viable approach to remedy this health imbalance in
children.