Search

Summary Objective This paper investigates the association between behavioural factors and BMI-for-age among early adolescents (10–11 years old) in Hulu Langat district, Selangor. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted among 333 primary school students. Body weight and height of the students were measured and their BMI-for-age was calculated. Eating behaviours, energy intake, energy expenditure, physical activity, and screen time were assessed using the Eating Behaviours Questionnaire and a 2-day dietary and physical activity recall, respectively. Data were analysed using multiple linear regression analysis. Results The prevalence of overweight and obesity (28.2%) was about twice the prevalence of thinness (11.1%). The mean energy intake and energy expenditure of the students was 1772 ± 441 kcal/day and 1705 ± 331 kcal/day, respectively. Three in five of the students (60.1%) skipped at least one meal and 98.2% snacked between meals daily. A majority of them (55.3%) were sedentary. Low energy intake ( p < 0.05) and low energy expenditure ( p < 0.05) were associated with high BMI-for-age. Energy expenditure ( β = −0.033) and energy intake ( β = −0.090) significantly explained 65.1% of the variances in BMI-for-age ( F = 119.170, p < 0.05). Conclusion These findings suggested that promoting healthy eating and active lifestyle should be targeted in the prevention and management of obesity among early adolescents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent studies reported that the age of primary school enrolment is a major driver of educational achievement and adult income, but its impacts on childhood health and nutrition remain largely unknown, particularly in developing countries where childhood stunting and overweight coexist. In Brazil, children are supposed to enrol in primary school the year they turn 6. Using a database of middle school students in Brazil based on a 2015 survey, I implemented an instrumental variables strategy using quasi-exogenous variations in the students' birthdates to isolate the impact of late primary school enrolment (i.e., older than 6 when enrolled) on height-for-age and body mass-for-age indicators. Overall, late enrolment has protective effects against hazardous weight gain (−0.14 z-score unit) but significantly increases the risk of moderate stunting (by 1.5% points). Heterogeneity in family backgrounds may explain these results. Indeed, delayed school enrolment is particularly detrimental for the nutritional status of students from underprivileged settings. In terms of public policy, rather than changing school starting age, this study highlights the importance of focusing on pathways to fight both stunting and overweight conditions in Brazilian children. • In Brazil, school starting age significantly affects nutritional outcomes. • The effects is heterogeneous according to the child' social backgrounds. • Late enrollments decrease BMI-for age and overweight, especially for boys. • Late enrollments decrease height-for-age and increase stunting, especially for underprivileged children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]