Study of risk factors associated with overweight and obesity in children aged 6 to 11 in Batna: An epidemiological approach

Objective. This study aims to identify risk factors associated with overweight and obesity among children aged 6 to 11 years, enrolled in public primary schools in the Batna district. Methods. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted during the 2018–2019 school year. The sample included 3172 students selected through cluster sampling from 159 classes across 20 schools. Data were collected using a structured 52-item questionnaire addressed to parents, covering family history, socio-economic and occupational status, dietary habits, physical activity, and sedentary time. A comparative analysis was performed between two groups: overweight or obese children (G1) and non-obese children (G2). Results. According to IOTF thresholds, 21.3% (n = 675) of students were overweight or obese (BMI ≥ C25), while 78.7% had a BMI < C25 (n = 2,497). Parental BMI was significantly correlated with that of the children (p < 0.0001), with a weak positive correlation observed between maternal BMI and children's BMI (r = 0.211), as well as between paternal BMI and children's BMI (r = 0.144). More than half (51%) of children with two overweight parents were themselves overweight or obese. A high parental socio-economic status and a higher level of parental education were also associated with an increased likelihood of being overweight (p < 0.0001). Gestational diabetes and neonatal macrosomia were more frequent in group G1 (p = 0.04; p = 0.05). Additionally, skipping breakfast, regular consumption of sugary drinks, sodas, fast food meals, and prolonged screen time were significantly more common among overweight or obese children (p < 0.05). Conclusion. This study highlights the multiplicity of factors associated with childhood obesity, combining non-modifiable genetic determinants with modifiable environmental factors.