Childhood Obesity and Quality of Meals: The Saudi School Meal and Home Meal Study SSMHMS – A Cross Sectional Study

• DOI: 10.12691/jfnr-6-4-7
• Publication Date: 2018-05-04T03:15:28Z
• Authors: Noura M S Eid; Abeer AlJahdali; Eram Albajri; Manal Naseeb
• Keywords: Underweight; Calorie; Cross-sectional study

Epidemiological studies have shown a strong association between childhood obesity and quality of food consumed in schools at home as well. The objectives this study are to assess school meals children the age 3 5 years old, their level. A cross sectional conducted on one hundred thirty (3-6 age; 73 boys 57 girls) private preschool Jeddah city .Firstly we assessed weights using anthropometric measurements (height, weight, BMI, IBW/Age, IHT/Age). Secondly Schools were analyzed USD super tracker (food analysis program) dietary intakes both FFQs 2-day records be filled by mothers. We also mother’s knowledge, questionnaire. Statistical was SPSS program applying way ANOVA LSD test univariate test. Data that prevalence normal underweight overweight subjects 66.1%, 6.7% 26.3% respectively. Results showed significant difference weight student (p≥ 0.001) student. Also, there 0.001). School meal results indicated total calories breakfast slightly low (23% requirement) but lunch high (40% comparing RDA. Protein content range, whereas carbohydrates saturated fat higher level (>7%). Finally, responses from mothers child’s zero. In conclusion, current 27% overweight, did not meet RDA with carbohydrate lack interest involved child nutrition. Such data suggests an increase awareness nutrition health staff responsible preparing schools, teachers prevent obesity.