Obesity and associated cardiovascular risk factors among schoolchildren in Greece: a cross-sectional study and review of the literature

Abstract

Objective: To examine the prevalence and determinants of obesity and associated cardiovascular risk factors in a sample of Greek children.

Methods: This is a cross-sectional, school-based study of 780 students (9.2 +/- 1.8 years old, 415 boys) conducted in Eastern Attica, the greater area of the city of Athens. The study protocol included anthropometric, blood pressure (BP), and biochemical measurements, as well as dietary and lifestyle habits assessment. A review of Greek studies on childhood obesity was also performed.

Results: Approximately 22% of the participants were overweight and 8% were obese, which is in accordance with the results of 24 previous Greek studies showing the childhood overweight/obesity prevalence in the range of 30%. Overweight/obese children compared with normal-weight children had higher BP, lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and higher triglycerides (p < 0.05 for all). Parental weight, consumption of sweets and fast-food, and decreased physical activity were independent determinants of being overweight/obese. Furthermore, overweight/obesity predicted the presence of high BP, low HDL-C, and high triglycerides.

Conclusion: A close association was revealed between obesity and metabolic abnormalities, underlining the need for early screening and intervention in overweight children in order to address the emerging childhood obesity epidemic in Greece.