Weight status and food habits of preschool children in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates: NOPLAS project

Abstract

Background and objectives: Eating habits established during childhood affect health in later life. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has a high prevalence of obesity in adolescents and adults; however, data on the health of preschool children are scarce. This study assessed the weight status and dietary habits of Emirati and non-Emirati children attending nurseries in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

Methods and study design: Weight and height were measured in children aged 18 months-4 years. Z scores for height-for-age (HAZ), weight-for-age (WAZ), and BMI-for-age (BAZ) were calculated based on WHO protocols. Parents completed a questionnaire regarding demographics and food frequency.

Results: A total of 203 children participated. Abnormal anthropometric status (z scores of <-2 or >2) for WAZ was indicated in 12.8% of Emirati children versus 1.4% of non-Emirati children (p=0.008) and for BAZ in 19.9% of Emirati children versus 8.4% of non-Emirati children (p<0.05). Emirati children exhibited higher prevalences of malnutrition (4.3% vs 1.4%), wasting (11.5% vs 2.8%), and overweight (8.5% vs 4.2%) than non-Emirati children and consumed discretionary calorie foods and typical components of Emirati cuisine (rice, fish, and pulses) significantly more often than non-Emirati children.

Conclusions: Similar to findings in other countries undergoing economic transition, an indication of a double burden of disease was revealed in chil-dren attending nurseries in Abu Dhabi. Malnutrition and overnutrition were represented, especially among Emira-ti children, and were seemingly related to lifestyle rather than genetics. Therefore, policies focusing on child health interventions are required.