Factors associated with obesity in primary-school children in Singapore.

An upward trend in obesity has been observed in Singapore school children over the 15 years prior to the study. A case-control study of 400 children (mean age 10 years) and their parents was conducted to determine some of the factors likely to be associated with obesity in primary-school children. It included dietary practices and intake, activity patterns, family history and social factors. It was found that obese children were more likely to consume foods that were deep-fried or sweet and were more likely to have at least one obese parent and sibling. A variety of intervention measures were taken to reduce the prevalence and severity of obesity in school children following the study.