RT - Journal Article T1 - Comparison of dietary and physical activity patterns among obese children and adolescents with or without metabolic syndrome JF - HBI_Journals YR - 2010 JO - HBI_Journals VO - 15 IS - 1 UR - http://sjku.muk.ac.ir/article-1-316-en.html SP - 36 EP - 45 K1 - Obesity K1 - children K1 - metabolic syndrome K1 - diet K1 - physical activity. AB - ABSTRACT Background and Aim: Considering the appearance of chronic diseases in adulthood and the emergence of their underlying causes such as metabolic syndrome since early years of life, recognition of effective factors and taking interventional measures will lead to a more short term and long term beneficial effects. The aim of this study was to compare the dietary and physical activity patterns among obese children and adolescents with or without metabolic syndrome. Material and Methods: This case-control study was conducted in 2007 in Isfahan. 825 overweight or obese children & adolescents (body mass index equal to or greater than 85th percentile) aged between 6-17 years were assigned into two groups: with or without metabolic syndrome and the dietary and physical activity patterns of the groups were compared with each other. Data were introduced into SPSS software and analyzed by means of Chi-Square, regression and t-tests. Results: Comparison of the mean frequency of food consumption and physical activities in both groups indicated that increased consumption of meat, egg, dairy products, nuts, vegetables and fruits had a significant relationship with decreased incidence of metabolic syndrome. The physical activity level of those with metabolic syndrome was lower than that of those without this syndrome. However this difference was not significant. Conclusion: Considering the increasing incidence of obesity and metabolic syndrome in children and adolescents, and its relation with the dietary habits and physical activity established from early life, it is necessary to pay more attention to the lifestyle of children and adolescents in order to prevent emergence of chronic diseases in the future. Key words: Obesity, children, metabolic syndrome, diet, physical activity. Conflict of Interest: Nill Received: Jan 23, 2010 Accepted: Jun 9, 2010 LA eng UL http://sjku.muk.ac.ir/article-1-316-en.html M3 ER -