Low Sleeping Time, High TV Viewing Time, and
Physical Inactivity in School Are Risk Factors for
Obesity in Pre-Adolescent Thai Children
Wiyada Thasanasuwan MSc*, Weerachat Srichan MSc*, Kallaya Kijboonchoo PhD*, Uruwan Yamborisut PhD*,
Wanphen Wimonpeerapattana MSc*, Nipa Rojroongwasinkul PhD*, Ilse Tan Khouw PhD**, Pual Deurenberg PhD***
Affiliation :
* Institute of Nutrition, Mahidol University, Salaya Campus, Nakorn Pathom, Thailand
** FrieslandCampina, Amersfoort, The Netherlands
*** Nutrition Consultant, Langkawi, Malaysia
Objective : Explore the association between physically active behavior and obesity in 7- to 12-years-old Thai children.
Material and Method: As part of SEANUTS Thailand, information on anthropometry, physical activity, and socio-
demographic variables were collected in 7- to 12-years-old urban and rural Thai children. Multi-stage sampling technique
was used and 1,345 children (32% urban, and 50.3% boys) participated in the study. Anthropometric measurements included
weight, height, and BMI-for-age Z-scores (BAZ) using World Health Organization Growth Reference. Obesity was defined
as BAZ >2SD. Physical activity was assessed using a validated physical activity questionnaire (PAQ). The PAQ provided
an activity score, activity time in school, sleeping hours, and TV watching time as categorical variable, low, moderate, and
high. Chi-square by likelihood ratio test and logistic regression were used to compare obese and non-obese groups.
Results : The overall prevalence of overweight and obesity was 10.2 and 10.8% respectively, whereas 8.2% was classified
as thin. Maternal education and religion did not differ between obese and non-obese children. However, obese children’s
family income was higher. After controlling for family income, maternal education, and religion, obese children were
significantly less active during break times in school, slept less, and watched more TV than non-obese. However, there was
no difference in the activity score of obese and non-obese children.
Conclusion : The study showed that physical activity during break time in school, sleep duration, and hours of TV viewing
were associated with obesity in pre-adolescent Thai children. It is important to note that activity score was not associated
with obesity. One of the most important benefits to be physically active in childhood is the potential to maintain this behavior
into adulthood. Therefore, programs that encourage healthy behaviors and address these modifiable risk factors should be
incorporated in the school curriculum.
Keywords : Obesity, Sleep duration, TV viewing, Active activity, Thai children
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