Lack of Exercise Key to Increased BMI in Children

Topic: Childhood Obesity
Author: The Sugar Bureau
Published: 2010/05/26 - Updated: 2024/09/26
Publication Type: Informative
Contents: Summary - Introduction - Main Item - Related Topics

Synopsis: Dietary sugars are not driving factor behind rising body mass index (BMI) levels in children. Children who don't exercise much are more likely to gain weight because they don't burn as many calories. Increased BMIs recorded in children are most likely due to reduced energy expenditure, rather than dietary factors, reinforcing the link between obesity and lack of physical exercise.

Why it matters: This article discusses the importance of physical activity for children's health and development, emphasizing that it goes beyond just managing weight or Body Mass Index (BMI). The authors argue that focusing solely on BMI can be misleading and potentially harmful, as it doesn't account for muscle mass or overall fitness. Instead, they advocate for a more holistic approach to children's health, highlighting the numerous benefits of regular exercise, including improved cardiovascular health, stronger bones and muscles, better mental health, and enhanced cognitive function. The article stresses that encouraging children to be physically active should be about promoting overall well-being and establishing healthy habits for life, rather than fixating on weight or appearance - Disabled World.

Introduction

A new independent study of scientific research has revealed that, contrary to the widely held hypothesis, dietary sugars are not the driving factor behind rising body mass index (BMI) levels in children in Great Britain.

Main Item

The research paper, 'Trends in energy and sugar intakes and body mass index between 1983 and 1997 among children in Great Britain', which was conducted by independent consultant nutritionist Sigrid Gibson MA MSc RPHNutr, highlights that increased BMIs recorded in children are most likely due to reduced energy expenditure, rather than dietary factors, reinforcing the link between obesity and lack of physical exercise.

The paper directly compared findings from two separate studies:

Gibson's analysis found that total sugar intake averaged at 115g/day in 1983, compared with 113g/day in 1997. Allowing for exclusions of low and high energy reporters, intake levels were 122g/day (1983) and 127g/day (1997), showing a marginal and insignificant increase over the study period.

Contrastingly, mean body weight increased significantly during the period of the DH and NDNS surveys, showing a rise of 1.9kg for 10-11 year olds and 3.4kg among 14-15 year olds. BMI increased from 17.9 to 18.6 units in the younger group, and 20.2 to 21.3 units in the older group.

According to these calculations, the prevalence of being overweight (plus obesity), as defined by the International Obesity Taskforce (IOTF) cut-offs (91st percentile) rose from 13% to 21-22% between surveys. Gibson concluded that the slight increase in consumption of total sugars did not account for the significant increase in BMI, equivalent to 2-3 kg over the review period.

During the same period, Gibson found that mean energy intake (EI) was 3% lower in 1997 than in 1983, mainly as a result of lower fat intake. This change in overall energy consumption meant that sugars represented a higher proportion of daily energy intake in 1997 (23.6% versus 22.3%), despite total sugar consumption remaining relatively static in comparison. The review surmises that the most likely cause for the increased BMI is a decline in energy expenditure.

In addition, Gibson's paper found that basal metabolic rate (BMR) increased by approximately 3% between surveys as a result of higher body weights, and it is estimated that EI in relation to basal requirements was even lower at 6%. Gibson found that the paradox of rising BMI, despite a 2-3% rise in BMR and an EI that is static or falling, pointed to declining energy expenditure as an important factor in the change.

The Gibson analysis showed that the key sources of sugars in the diet have changed with a marked shift away from table sugar and smaller falls in consumption of sugars through milk, biscuits and cakes, counterbalanced by a significant increase in sugars consumed in soft drinks and, to a lesser extent, fruit juice and breakfast cereals.

A conclusion of Gibson's reanalysis of data from the DH and NDNS studies, that consumption of total sugars remained relatively static during the period, providing an estimated 22% of energy, is supported by findings from a repeated cross sectional study of children's food and drink intake, conducted in Northumberland in 1989, 1990 and 2000 which looked at trends in children's food and drink intake.

Sigrid Gibson, the paper's author, said:

"There are very few studies that have assessed trends in sugar intake over time and particularly over such an extended period. The findings of the reanalysis strongly contradict widespread assumptions that sugar levels in the diet are responsible for rising obesity levels. With dietary sugar intakes relatively static, and overall energy consumption showing decline, increased BMI levels cannot be attributed to sugar consumption."

Attribution/Source(s):

This quality-reviewed publication was selected for publishing by the editors of Disabled World due to its significant relevance to the disability community. Originally authored by The Sugar Bureau, and published on 2010/05/26 (Edit Update: 2024/09/26), the content may have been edited for style, clarity, or brevity. For further details or clarifications, The Sugar Bureau can be contacted at sugar-bureau.co.uk. NOTE: Disabled World does not provide any warranties or endorsements related to this article.

Explore Related Topics

1 - - Pediatric overweight and obesity have reached epidemic levels in the U.S. and are becoming a pandemic globally.

2 - - Adulthood overweight and obesity may confer greater risks for all-cause mortality and incident CVD among individuals who perceive themselves to have been thinner or plumper than the average child.

3 - - Waist circumference-to-height ratio identified as inexpensive measure of obesity in children and adolescents that could replace body mass index (BMI).

4 - - Researchers report that aligning student meals to the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans would further support children's well-being and cut healthcare costs into adulthood.

5 - - Study adds weight to the evidence that watching too much television as a child can lead to poor health in adulthood.

Complete List of Related Information

Page Information, Citing and Disclaimer

Disabled World is a comprehensive online resource that provides information and news related to disabilities, assistive technologies, and accessibility issues. Founded in 2004 our website covers a wide range of topics, including disability rights, healthcare, education, employment, and independent living, with the goal of supporting the disability community and their families.

Cite This Page (APA): The Sugar Bureau. (2010, May 26 - Last revised: 2024, September 26). Lack of Exercise Key to Increased BMI in Children. Disabled World. Retrieved October 9, 2024 from www.disabled-world.com/fitness/child-obesity/exercise-bmi.php

Permalink: <a href="https://www.disabled-world.com/fitness/child-obesity/exercise-bmi.php">Lack of Exercise Key to Increased BMI in Children</a>: Dietary sugars are not driving factor behind rising body mass index (BMI) levels in children.

Disabled World provides general information only. Materials presented are never meant to substitute for qualified medical care. Any 3rd party offering or advertising does not constitute an endorsement.