Which food groups and macronutrients are more associated with central obesity in Iranian children

Introduction: Better understanding of the macronutrients consumption and relationships between food group and total and central body fat among children is necessary for the effective prevention and management of obesity in youth. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate macronutrients and food group intake and the associations between the portion size of food groups and anthropometric indices including waist circumference (WC) and body fat percentage (BF%) among schoolchildren in Babol, North of Iran. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 205 boys and girls aged 7-11 from the urban and rural areas of Babol. The data on food consisted of a 24-hourrecall and food frequency questionnaire obtained via interviewing the children and their mothers. Waist circumference and body fat was measured based on the standard protocols. Dietary analysis and other data analysis were performed using the Nutritionist IV and SPSS -18. Results: The top sources of energy for schoolchildren were carbohydrate and fat with about 63% and 23% of total energy, respectively. In contrast to boys, girls who consumed more cereals, meat and dairies had the lower central and total adiposity. There was no association between obesity and fruit, oil and vegetable consumption. Besides, the low consumption of vegetables and dairy products and the high intake of cereals and oils was found in both genders Conclusion: According to higher consumption of macronutrients like as carbohydrate and protein and lower intake ofdairy products, vegetables and fruits which had different association with central obesity in these students, recommended food groups intake should be highlighted to promote the importance of age appropriate portion sizes and frequency of eating and provide guidance for the students and parents.

کلیدواژه ها:

Macronutrients ، Food groups ، Waist circumference ، Body fat ، Schoolchildren ، Central obesity.