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Endocrine Abstracts (2024) 99 EP652 | DOI: 10.1530/endoabs.99.EP652

National Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology, tunis


Introduction: Childhood obesity is a growing public health concern worldwide, necessitating a comprehensive understanding of the nutritional disparities between obese and non-obese children. This study presents a comparative analysis aiming to elucidate the distinctive nutritional profiles in these two groups

Methods: We undertook a comparative study involving 50 obese children (G1) and 35 normal-weight children (G2) aged 6 to 13 years. The research was conducted at the outpatient department of Bechir-Hamza Children’s Hospital in Tunis, Tunisia, from December 26, 2016, to February 1, 2017. Obesity was determined by World Health Organization growth charts sex-specific Body Mass Index for age.

Results: The average ages for G1 and G2 were 8.9±3 years and 8.1±3 years, respectively (P=0.22). Among G1, two-thirds (64%) were female. We observed that G1 had a significantly higher consumption of white bread (94% vs 80%, P=0.04) as well as cheese (50% vs 20%, P<0.01) for breakfast. Additionally, lunchtime consumption showed a higher prevalence of sodas in G1 compared to G2 (86% vs 37%, P<0.01). Furthermore, the average daily caloric intake was significantly higher in G1 (2646±320 vs 1792±340 Kcal/j, P<0.01). The diet of G1 was characterized not only by hypercaloric content but also by a lower fiber intake (G1: 19 g fiber/day vs G2: 32.9 g fiber/day, P=0.01). No significant difference was noted between the two groups regarding the intake of water-soluble vitamins. However, for fat-soluble vitamins, G1 had a significantly higher vitamin E intake (42 mg/day vs 26 mg/day, P<0.01). In terms of trace elements, iron intake was similar in both groups, whereas zinc intake was significantly greater in G1 (54 mg/day vs 20 mg/day, P<0.01). As for minerals, magnesium and sodium intake were comparable in both groups (P=0.74, P=0.12, respectively), while a significant higher intake of phosphorus, potassium and calcium was noted in G1 (P<0.01, P<0.01, P<0.01, respectively).

Conclusion: These findings underscore the importance of targeted interventions and public health initiatives to address and modify dietary behaviors among obese children.

Volume 99

26th European Congress of Endocrinology

Stockholm, Sweden
11 May 2024 - 14 May 2024

European Society of Endocrinology 

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