Correlates of Overweight and Obesity in German Primary School Children

Background/objectives: Childhood obesity is a consistent public health issue, which often persists into adulthood. This study determined risk factors of childhood obesity and associated comorbidities in German school children.

Methods: Data of 1956 primary school children (7.1 ± 0.6 years) were analysed. Anthropometrics were taken on site, other (health) parameters were assessed using a parental questionnaire. Binary logistic regression models were calculated, controlling for age, gender, family education level, and migration background.

Results: Father's physical illness (OR 1.092 [1.177; 3.073], p = 0.009) and a child's chronic illness (OR 1.687 [1.077; 2.644], p = 0.022), maternal and paternal overweight (OR 2.180 [1.492; 3.185]; OR 2.494 [1.547; 4.022], p < 0.001, respectively), as well as maternal and paternal smoking (OR 1.942 [1.306; 2.889]; OR 1.972 [1.334; 2.917], p = 0.001, respectively) were significantly associated with the child being overweight. Also associated with the child being overweight were physical activity, regular screen media use (OR 0.605 [0.408, 0.896], p = 0.012; OR 2.029 [1.306; 3.152], p = 0.002, respectively), the mother and/or father thinking their child is too fat (OR 2.213 [1.504; 3.258], p < 0.001; OR 1.537 [1.048; 2.253], p = 0.028), the father's physical inactivity (OR 1.69 [1.133; 2.521], p = 0.010), and if the child has not been breastfed (OR 1.632 [1.056; 2.521], p = 0.027), the mother smoked during pregnancy (OR 1.992 [1.224; 3.246], p = 0.006) as well as if the mother and/or father admonished their child about their weight (OR 25.521 [14.578; 44.680]; OR 19.448 [11.865; 31.877], p < 0.001, respectively). Children of unemployed mothers and in low-income households had an increased risk of being overweight (OR 4.811 [1.642; 14.096], p = 0.004; OR 2.203 [1.360; 3.568], p = 0.001, respectively).

Conclusions: This study shows that parental health, lifestyle, and social behaviours matter in determining childhood obesity. Understanding those is essential to promoting a healthy lifestyle.