Abstract

Author(s): Monroy Díaz, Gustavo1; González Bourgueth, Manuel Antonio1; Pérez Escobar, Iván1; Matías Pérez, Diana2; García Montalvo, Iván Antonio2

Objective: The following project analyzes the anthropometric characteristics in children of school age Health Center with Expanded Services (CESSA) Tlalixtac of Cabrera, Oaxaca (Mexico).

Methods: This is a cohort study with a sample of 74 schools in which anthropometric characteristics and their dietary habits are analyzed. This study was conducted in children 6- 12 years of age assigned to the Health Center with Expanded Services (CESSA) Tlalixtac of Cabrera, Oaxaca (Mexico). In them is determined the weight, age, height and sex with consent informed parent or guardians of children to which we applied the clinical-nutritional history for each child. The data analysis was performed using the database generated in Excel® and statistical measure of odds ratios.

Results: We found that the population studied (74 schools) had a prevalence of normal weight (49%), followed by overweight or obese (44%) and weight low (7%). In based on food frequency obtained, it is determined by the odds ratios that children than consume excessively cereals fatty, cereals nonfat and sucrose, these results indicate that these food groups may cause an increase in body weight in this population and this would lead to development of chronic degenerative problems.

Conclusion: In the school population studied, there is an increase in weight due to the high consumption of carbohydrates and poor consumption of fruits and vegetables, being one of the factors for the development of overweight and obesity in the future, coupled to no physical activity in the population. The low consumption of healthy foods may be attributable to a low socioeconomic status, so it is of great importance to the implementation of backyard gardens, and the inclusion of physical activity not only in children but also in the adult population of the community.