The Prevalence of Overweight and Obesity among 7-8 Years Old Children of Tirana City

Abstract

This topic intends to bring to the attention of the audience data on the situation of one of the components of fitness to children, on Body Composition. The study aims to observe contemporary trends of overweight and obesity among children of 7-8 years old evaluating the prevalence of this phenomenon. The subjects of the study are 1500 primary school children in Tirana, capital of Albania. The methodology is based on the measurement of fat percentage. Data analysis brings to attention a least favorable situation with regard to the prevalence of this phenomenon in this age group. If the body composition is not in appropriate reports, the child does not enjoy the fitness condition. Moreover, overweight and obesity are associated with serious complications and diseases in childhood, while overweight and obese children tend to become overweight and obese adults risking numerous diseases. The genetic predisposition factor and the daily dietary intake (the way of nutrition) have not changed over the last decades, while the indicators of overweight and obesity have increased in value, making daily physical inactivity the main cause for the rapid growth of this phenomenon at this age. A child who regularly practices physical activity, when he will grow up, will be much more favored than those who rarely or never practice it, he would have won a state of optimal body composition, will be able to afford daily requirements with the desire and energy, enjoying the so-called FITNESS.

DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2013.v4n10p388