The purpose of the GRECO study were to: a) to provide national data on overweight and obesity prevalence in a representative sample of primary schoolchildren aged 10-12 years old, b) to identify those socio-economic, demographic factors, as well as dietary and physical activity habits and familial characteristics that are associated with childhood and preadolescent overweight and obesity, c) to identify lifestyle and dietary patterns that are associated with elevated blood pressure levels and dietary sodium intake.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
5,000
Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Agricultural University of Athens
Athens, Attica, Greece
Overweight and obesity prevalence in a representative sample of primary schoolchildren aged 10-12 years old
Assessment of overweight and obesity by measuring body weight and standing height. Body mass index was calculated by dividing weight (kg) by standing height squared (m2). Obesity and overweight among children were calculated using the International Obesity Task Force (IOTF) age and gender specific body mass index cut-off criteria
Time frame: 8 months
Dietary intake assessment
Dietary assessment was based on a validated self-reported, semi-quantitative picture-aid food frequency questionnaire (FFQ), consisted of 48 food items commonly used in the local Greek cuisine.
Time frame: 8 months
Assessment of eating behaviors
Assessment of the frequency of breakfast consumption and number of eating occasions (number of meals and snacks during the day), as well as the frequency of having meals in front of a screen (watching television/DVD/videos and/or using of games consoles/computer), and the frequency of having meals together with the whole family or at least with one family member.
Time frame: 8 months
Assessment of physical activity and inactivity levels
Physical activity levels assessment was performed by the Physical Activity Questionnaire for older Children. Children were also asked whether they had television or computer in their room and were asked to report the average weekdays and weekend time (h/d) spent on sedentary activities and more specifically on watching television/DVD/movies and/or recreational usage of games consoles/computer.
Time frame: 8 months
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