Excess weight, feeding and physical activity habits of children residents in urban and peripheral areas of La Plata city

Abstract

The accelerated urban growth promotes sedentary and unhealth life habits that increase childhood overweight and obesity. The objective of this work was to know from an anthropological perspective, the prevalence of excess weight and eating and physical activities habits of children residents in the Urban District and the periphery of the city of La Plata. One hundred and fifty-four males and females (6-13 years old) were analyzed. Approximately 47% presented excess weight. Eating and physical activity habits were relatively healthy and similar in children with adequate nutritional status and with excess weight. However, differences were recognized, depending on the children's place of residence, linked to practices characteristic of obesogenic environments, such as the use of the television during meals, the omission of breakfast, the consumption of foods rich in carbohydrates and the snacks between principal meals.