A recent study published in Cureus examines the lifestyle factors associated with childhood obesity in South Asian expatriates living in Dubai. The study, a cross-sectional analysis, found that several factors were significantly correlated with childhood obesity in this population.
The study included 384 South Asian children between the ages of 6 and 18, with a mean age of 11.37 years. The researchers collected data on various lifestyle factors, including dietary habits, physical activity levels, sleep patterns, and screen time. They also gathered information on the children’s family and socioeconomic backgrounds.
The results of the study showed that several lifestyle factors were significantly associated with childhood obesity in this population. Children who consumed a high-fat and high-sugar diet were more likely to be obese, as were those who engaged in little physical activity. Additionally, children who spent more time in front of screens, such as television, computers, and smartphones, were at a higher risk of obesity.
The study also found that children from families with lower socioeconomic status were more likely to be obese. This could be due to limited access to healthy foods and resources for physical activity.
The researchers emphasized the importance of addressing these lifestyle factors to prevent and reduce childhood obesity in South Asian expatriates living in Dubai. They suggested implementing interventions that promote healthy eating habits, increase physical activity levels, and limit screen time. They also recommended targeting families with lower socioeconomic status to provide them with support and resources to improve their children’s health.
Overall, this study highlights the need for targeted interventions to address childhood obesity in the South Asian expatriate population in Dubai. By addressing lifestyle factors and promoting healthy habits, we can help prevent and reduce obesity in children and improve their overall health and well-being.
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