6. Investigating the Rise in Pediatric Obesity Among Children Aged 1 to 5: The Impact of Nutritional Intake and Dietary Patterns
Investigating the Rise in Pediatric Obesity Among Children Aged 1 to 5: The Impact of Nutritional Intake and Dietary Patterns
Shabnam Mahsood1, Wagma Maqsood1, Shahrukh Yar2, Jahanzeb Khan Afridi2, Mian Abdur Rehman1 and Tanzeel Ur Rahman1
ABSTRACT
Objective: The purpose of study is to determine the effects of nutrient and dietary on the increasing prevalence of obesity amongst children of age 1 to 5 years.
Study Design: A Cross Sectional Study
Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at the Department of Pediatrics, HMC Peshawar, starting January 2023 to January 2024.
Methods: Consequently, the sample was selected from 300 children at the age of 1 to 5 years. Dietary consumption habits were captured using the parent’s self-administered dietary forms, while the child’s BMI was determined to categorise weight status. Information were also analyzed and compared with a view to identifying relationship between eating habits and obesity.
Results: The mean age of the children was 3. 2 years SD = 1. 4 years. Of the 300 participants, 28% of the participants were categorised as obese, 15% as overweight, and 57% as having normal weight. The study further showed that there was a difference in dietary behaviour between the Obese and non-Obese groups (p < 0. 05). Boy and girl and boy child consuming a large number of calories were more likely to be obese.
Conclusion: The study therefore finds that unfavourable dietary practices are rapidly contributing to obesity among the 1 to 5 years old children in Peshawar. It is now important that giving proper information to parents and having healthcare providers’ cooperation to make early prevention because this ascending public health problem.
Key Words: Child Obesity, Diet, Nutrient Profile, Child Health