Weight status and food habits of preschool children in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates: NOPLAS project

Document Type

Article

Source of Publication

Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition

Publication Date

11-1-2018

Abstract

© 2018, HEC Press. Background and Objectives: Eating habits established during childhood affect health in later life. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has a high prevalence of obesity in adolescents and adults; however, data on the health of preschool children are scarce. This study assessed the weight status and dietary habits of Emirati and non-Emirati children attending nurseries in Abu Dhabi, UAE. Methods and Study Design: Weight and height were measured in children aged 18 months-4 years. Z scores for height-for-age (HAZ), weight-for-age (WAZ), and BMI-for-age (BAZ) were calculated based on WHO protocols. Parents completed a questionnaire regarding demographics and food frequency. Results: A total of 203 children participated. Abnormal anthropometric status (z scores of < -2 or > 2) for WAZ was indicated in 12.8% of Emirati children versus 1.4% of non-Emirati children (p=0.008) and for BAZ in 19.9% of Emirati children versus 8.4% of non-Emirati children (p < 0.05). Emirati children exhibited higher prevalences of malnutrition (4.3% vs 1.4%), wasting (11.5% vs 2.8%), and overweight (8.5% vs 4.2%) than non-Emirati children and consumed discretionary calorie foods and typical components of Emirati cuisine (rice, fish, and pulses) significantly more often than non-Emirati children. Conclusions: Similar to findings in other countries undergoing economic transition, an indication of a double burden of disease was revealed in children attending nurseries in Abu Dhabi. Malnutrition and overnutrition were represented, especially among Emirati children, and were seemingly related to lifestyle rather than genetics. Therefore, policies focusing on child health interventions are required.

ISSN

0964-7058

Publisher

HEC Press

Volume

27

Issue

6

First Page

1302

Last Page

1314

Disciplines

Life Sciences

Keywords

Dietary habits, Nutrition, Preschool children, United Arab Emirates

Scopus ID

85057574384

Indexed in Scopus

yes

Open Access

no

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