Physical activity cut‐offs and risk factors for preventing child obesity in Japan. Issue 1 (25th November 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Minematsu, Kazuo; Kawabuchi, Ryosuke; Okazaki, Hiromi; Tomita, Hiroyuki; Tobina, Takuro; Tanigawa, Takeshi; Tsunawake, Noriaki
• Is Part Of: Pediatrics international. Volume 57:Issue 1(2015)
• Page Start: 131
• Page End: 136
• Publication Date: 2014-11-25
• Subjects: Pediatrics -- Periodicals; 618.92
• DOI: 10.1111/ped.12446
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1328-8067

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main"> <title>Abstract</title> <sec id="ped12446-sec-0001" sec-type="section"> <title>Background</title> <p>There is no official recommendations for physical activity level or steps for preventing and improving child obesity in Japan.</p> </sec> <sec id="ped12446-sec-0002" sec-type="section"> <title>Methods</title> <p>Three hundred and two Japanese children aged 9–12 years were recruited wore 3‐D speed sensors. Subjects were divided into two groups using the criteria for child obesity in Japan. Body composition was measured on bioelectrical impedance analysis. Physical fitness test was done to evaluate physical strength. Twenty‐four hour total steps, energy expenditure, and metabolic equivalents (MET) from Monday to Sunday were consecutively measured. The cut‐offs for steps and physical activity level for preventing child obesity were evaluated on receiver operating characteristic curves. Daily life‐related risk factors for child obesity were assessed on logistic regression analysis.</p> </sec> <sec id="ped12446-sec-0003" sec-type="section"> <title>Results</title> <p>In both sexes, body volume; bodyweight, body mass index, fat mass, and percentage body fat in the obese group was significantly higher than in the normal group, but age and height were not different (<italic>P</italic> < 0.001). Aerobic power, running speed, and explosive strength in the obese group were inferior to those in the normal group (<italic>P</italic> < 0.001). More than 40 min of 4 MET exercise, defined as moderate–vigorous exercise, and 11 000 steps per day are essential to prevent child obesity. Additionally, >2 h TV viewing per day is a significant risk factor for child obesity (OR, 3.43; 95%CI: 1.27–9.31).</p> </sec> <sec id="ped12446-sec-0004" sec-type="section"> <title>Conclusion</title> <p>Cut‐offs for physical activity and potential risk factors for child obesity have been identified. Recommendations for changes to daily lifestyle for school‐aged Japanese children are given.</p> </sec> </abstract>