Abstract
Knowledge of the behavioral and eating habits of overweight or obese children contributes to the development of prevention and therapeutic programs. Objective: Analyze the data obtained from a questionnaire designed to detect eating disorders in children and adolescents with a Body Mass Index (BMI) > percentile (PC) 90 (Rolland Cachera), and compare them to the rest of the sample studied. Method: A total of 1971 cases (1231 females and 740 males; age range 10 - 19.9 yrs) were evaluated in the period 1998–2001. The Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDEQ-4), consisting of 34 questions grouped in 5 subscales, was used. Responses and demographic data were assessed for all the sample. Subscale scores of the cases (C) were compared with those of the control group (c). Results: 26.43% of the sample (n=521) had a BMI > 90 PC. Subscales scores (C vs c) were: 1-Eating restraint: 0.97 ± 1.0 vs 0.51 ± 0.82 (p=0.0000). 2-Eating concern: 0.90 ± 1.02 vs 0.49 ± 0.72 (p=0.0000). 3-Shape concern: 1.75 ± 1.45 vs 0.97 ± 1.07 (p=0.0000). 4-Weight concern: 1.69 ± 1.43 vs 0.87 ± 1.08 (p=0.0000). 5-Bulimia: 0.51 ± 0.58 vs 0.3 ± 0.46. Relevant responses to the EDE-Q-4 questions (V cs c) were: a) Attempt to restrain intake: 22. 26% vs 10% (p=0.0000); b) Compliance with dietary rules: 20.7 % vs 11.46% (p=0.0000); c) Fear of gaining weight: 34.35% vs 17.54% (p=0.0000); d) Binge eating: 10.9% vs 8.62% (NS); e) Feeling fat: 46.5% vs 16.62% (p=0.0000); f) Overeating: 12% vs 1.5%; g) Loss of control over eating: 1.3% vs 0.5% (NS); g) Purging behavior (vomiting, laxative or diuretic abuse) was reproted by neither group; h) Influence of weight on self-evaluation: 23% vs 13% (p=0.000); i) Influence of body shape on self-evaluation: 24% vs. 21.5% (NS); j) Physical activity: 2% vs 1.8% practised exercise more than 3 times a week in order to lose weight, and a 80% of the total sample did not exercise. Conclusion: In the group of overweight and obese children and adolescents, self-evaluation was influenced by body weight. Although they had greater fear of gaining weight, they did not exercise, and only 22% restrained their food intake.
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Kovalskys, I., Bay, L., Herscovci, C. et al. Behavioral and Eating Habits in Overweight/Obese Children 10 - 19.9 Years of Age. Pediatr Res 53, 869 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-200305000-00030
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-200305000-00030