Determinants of overweight in adolescents: Lithuania in context of HBSC study data

Abstract

Background Overweight has increased globally in children and adults. Decreased physical activity, sedentary life style and access to high-calorie foods are considered as essential determinants of overweight. Our research aim was to make the international comparison of WHO Cross-National Health Behaviour in School-age Children Study (HBSC) data on overweight and to analyse relation of low physical activity, nutrition behaviours (consumption of soft drinks, vegetables, fruits, sweets) with overweight. Methods The cross-national questionnaire surveys among children aged 11, 13 and 15 were performed in 2001/02 in 35 European and other countries involved in the HBSC study. Common research protocol was applied. Self-reported data on weight and height of students were analysed. The 85th percentiles of body mass index (BMI) were calculated. Correlation analysis of determinants was performed for country level data. Multiple linear and multiple logistic regression models were used to establish relation between mentioned behaviours on the country and individual level, respectively. Results The prevalence rate of overweight among Lithuanian adolescents was the lowest between countries analysed: 5.7% in boys and 6.8% in girls. The country level analysis showed that frequency of drinking soft drinks, eating sweets positively [...].