Health Profiles in Developmental Age: An Analysis of the Eating Habits and Lifestyles of a Sample of Italian Children

Abstract

Background: The adoption of a healthy lifestyle and eating habits in children represents a major public health objective worldwide, with significant implications for the development of chronic non-communicable diseases in adulthood. In Italy, the "OKkio alla SALUTE" Surveillance System (National Institute of Health) has been in place since 2007 to periodically monitor the nutritional status and health-related behaviors of children aged 8 to 9 years old. Methods: Data were collected as part of the 2023 nutritional surveillance survey in the Tuscany Region through questionnaires completed by both children and their parents. A cluster sample design was adopted. The weight and height of children were directly measured. Logistic regression analysis was used to examine the association between measured variables (unhealthy eating habits and lifestyles) and overweight or obesity. Results: A total of 1427 children participated. In our sample, 17% of children were overweight, 5.7% were obese, and 1.3% were severely obese, totaling 24% of children classified as overweight. Tuscany's rates are lower than the national average of 28.8%. Children whose parents had a low level of education were nearly twice as likely to consume sugary drinks daily (OR_adj = 1.97; 95% CI: 1.22-3.18) and to lead a sedentary lifestyle (OR_adj = 1.99; 95% CI: 1.33-2.97). Children from families reporting financial hardship were more likely to consume fruit and vegetables less than once a day (OR_adj = 2.35; 95% CI: 1.12-4.92) and to spend more time in sedentary activities (OR_adj = 3.30; 95% CI: 1.66-6.56). Regarding overweight, including obesity, children from economically challenged families had nearly double the risk of being overweight compared to those from financially stable households (OR_adj = 1.81; 95% CI: 1.09-2.98). Conclusions: The aim of our study was to evaluate which family factors are associated with unhealthy lifestyles in order to assess and, if appropriate, confirm the need for targeted and integrated interventions involving families, schools, and local communities to promote healthy lifestyles and effectively combat childhood obesity in Tuscany.

Keywords: BMI; children; eating habits; fruit and vegetable consumption; health education; lifestyle; nutritional surveillance; physical activity; socioeconomic status; sugary drinks.