Risk Factors for Obesity and Overweight in Children and Adolescents from Romania

Abstract

The fact that more and more people are suffering from obesity and that this condition is more and more common among children is an alarm signal and some measures must be taken in this direction. Nowadays, the most incriminating factor responsible for the development of childhood obesity is the excessive consumption of fast food, sweets and juices, as at the market there is a wide range and easily accessible. This study aims to evaluate the association between frequent consumption of fast food and other lifestyle factors with the presence of obesity and overweight in children of different ages in Romania. Applying a questionnaire with 31 questions we collected data from 328 people, 170 boys and 158 girls, residing in Romania.  The analysis of the data collected showed a higher number of overweight children, compared to the number of mothers who consider that their children are overweight, for this we identified the factors with potential obesity and we looked for the associations between the lifestyle and obesity. The higher prevalence of fast food consumption and sedentary activities among overweight and obese children, highlighted in this study, further confirms the need to promote health through education for healthy eating and lifestyle behavior.