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Daily Physical Activity and Screen Time, but Not Other Sedentary Activities, Are Associated with Measures of Obesity during Childhood

Author

Listed:
  • Shoo Thien Lee

    (School of Healthcare Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 50300 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia)

  • Jyh Eiin Wong

    (School of Healthcare Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 50300 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia)

  • Safii Nik Shanita

    (School of Healthcare Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 50300 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia)

  • Mohd Noor Ismail

    (School of Hospitality, Tourism and Culinary Arts, Taylor's University, Subang Jaya 47500, Malaysia)

  • Paul Deurenberg

    (Nutrition Consultant, Telaga Harbour Park, Lot 1, 07000 Langkawi, Malaysia)

  • Bee Koon Poh

    (School of Healthcare Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 50300 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
    National Coordinator (Malaysia), the SEANUTS Study Group, 50300 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia)

Abstract

Childhood obesity is related to low physical activity level and a sedentary lifestyle. The aim of this study was to assess the physical activity level and sedentary behaviour of Malaysian children aged 7 to 12 years and to examine their association with body mass index (BMI), BMI-for-age Z-score (BAZ), body fatness (%BF) and waist circumference (WC). A total of 1736 children, representing all ethnic groups were recruited from six regions of Malaysia. Anthropometric measurements included body weight, height and waist circumference. Body fat percentage (%BF) was assessed using bioelectrical impedance. Physical activity was assessed by a physical activity questionnaire (PAQ) in all children and by pedometers in a subsample ( n = 514). PAQ score and pedometer step counts were negatively associated with BMI, BAZ, %BF and WC after adjusting for covariates. Screen time was positively associated with BAZ and WC. However, other sedentary activities were not significantly related with any anthropometric indicators. Strategies to promote active living among children in Malaysia should focus not only on increasing physical activity but also emphasise reduction in sedentary behaviours.

Suggested Citation

  • Shoo Thien Lee & Jyh Eiin Wong & Safii Nik Shanita & Mohd Noor Ismail & Paul Deurenberg & Bee Koon Poh, 2014. "Daily Physical Activity and Screen Time, but Not Other Sedentary Activities, Are Associated with Measures of Obesity during Childhood," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 12(1), pages 1-16, December.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:12:y:2014:i:1:p:146-161:d:43848
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Antonio Manuel Sánchez-López & María José Menor-Rodríguez & Juan Carlos Sánchez-García & María José Aguilar-Cordero, 2020. "Play as a Method to Reduce Overweight and Obesity in Children: An RCT," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(1), pages 1-10, January.
    2. Raquel Patrícia Ataíde Lima & Danielle De Carvalho Pereira & Rafaella Cristhine Pordeus Luna & Maria Da Conceição Rodrigues Gonçalves & Roberto Teixeira De Lima & Malaquias Batista Filho & Rosália Gou, 2015. "BMI, Overweight Status and Obesity Adjusted by Various Factors in All Age Groups in the Population of a City in Northeastern Brazil," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 12(4), pages 1-17, April.
    3. Xiao Chuan Lau & Yaw Loong Wong & Jyh Eiin Wong & Denise Koh & Razalee Sedek & Ahmad Taufik Jamil & Alvin Lai Oon Ng & Abu Saad Hazizi & Abd. Talib Ruzita & Bee Koon Poh, 2019. "Development and Validation of a Physical Activity Educational Module for Overweight and Obese Adolescents: CERGAS Programme," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(9), pages 1-16, April.

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