Children's perceptions of weight, obesity, nutrition, physical activity and related health and socio-behavioural factors.

摘要

Objective: Approximately one-third of children in the USA are either overweight or obese. Understanding the perceptions of children is an important factor in reversing this trend. Design: An online survey was conducted with children to capture their perceptions of weight, overweight, nutrition, physical activity and related socio-behavioural factors. Setting: Within the USA. Subjects: US children (n 1224) aged 8-18 years. Results: Twenty-seven per cent of children reported being overweight; 47.1% of children overestimated the rate of overweight/obesity among US children. A higher percentage of self-classified overweight children (81.9%) worried about weight than did self-classified underormal weight children (31.1%). Most children (91.1%) felt that it was important to not be overweight, for both health-related and social-related reasons. The majority of children believed that if someone their age is overweight they will likely be overweight in adulthood (93.1%); get an illness such as diabetes or heart disease in adulthood (90.2%); not be able to play sports well (84.5%); and be teased or made fun of in school (87.8%). Children focused more on food/drink than physical activity as reasons for overweight at their age. Self-classified overweight children were more likely to have spoken with someone about their weight over the last year than self-classified underormal weight children. Conclusions: Children demonstrated good understanding of issues regarding weight, overweight, nutrition, physical activity and related socio-behavioural factors. Their perceptions are important and can be helpful in crafting solutions that will resonate with children.