Relationship between the intake of energy and basic nutrients and the BMI values in group of children aged 10-12.

BACKGROUND: According to the WHO data in January 2007, 14 million children were overweight in the countries of the European Union. The problem of childhood obesity should be considered as one of the biggest challenges facing twenty- first century nutrition and pediatrics.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to show the correlation between energy, basic nutrients intake and BMI of school children aged 10-12 years, using Pearson's correlation coefficient.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: 169 pupils (69 from Krakow and 100 from Skawina), aged 10-12, participated in these studies. The studies were approved by the Board of Education, school principals and the parents. On the basis of measurements of weight and height, body mass index (BMI) was calculated. 24 h dietary recalls were collected in the spring and autumn of 2006, for 4 selected days per week.

RESULTS: Intake of energy, total carbohydrate and fat did not met requirements, but intake of protein was too high. Proper weight, based on BMI values in the population aged 10-12, were found in 74.9% of boys and 81.2% of girls. Deficiencies in body weight occurred in 4.2% and 3.4%, overweight in 15.6% and 10.0% while obesity in 5.3% and 5.4% of respondents.

CONCLUSIONS: Inverse correlation was found between the implementation of standards for energy and BMI values of children. It was observed positive correlation between the consumption of total and animal protein and BMI value.

KEY WORDS: children, underweight, obesity, BMI, nutrients, nutrition, Pearson's correlation coefficient.