Childhood overweight and obesity – analysis of the risk factors, including the patient’s family’s lifestyle, based on research results collected from two academic centres in Poland

Introduction
Approximately 15% of school-age children in Poland are overweight or obese. This poses a huge problem, considering the health consequences of excessive body weight.

Aim of the study
The aim of this study was an analysis of risk factors for the development of obesity including the family’s lifestyle, based on research results collected from two academic centres in Poland (Szczecin and Białystok).

Material and methods
A self-made questionnaire was administered to a group of parents with children aged from two to 17 years. Eighty responses picked at random, 40 from each city, were qualified for further analysis according to the exclusion criteria. Participation in the study was voluntary and anonymous.

Results
In the study group, 24% of children had an excessive body weight. For the purpose of further analysis, only these children were evaluated. The analysis of nutritional habits showed that 63% of children ate more than five full meals a day, not including snacking. About 65% of respondents consumed high-calorie snacks between the main meals. Meals were often irregular and excessive. Half of the respondents did not consume an adequate amount of fluids. Physical activity analysis has shown that 74% of children were physically active a minimum of 3–4 times a week for at least 30 minutes a day. 47% of parents reported not to engage in any physical activity. Parents of overweight children, who admitted to not consulting a doctor, amounted to 84%. The main differences between the cities were associated with the daily amount of meals eaten by children.

Conclusions
Obesity is not solely a result of unbalanced nutrition. The factors that primarily contribute to obesity involve the family’s daily habits.