Total energy expenditure and physical activity in young Scottish children: mixed longitudinal study

Lancet. 2004 Jan 17;363(9404):211-2. doi: 10.1016/s0140-6736(03)15331-7.

Abstract

Childhood obesity has been attributed to a decline in total energy expenditure (TEE). We measured TEE, physical activity, and sedentary behaviour in a representative sample of young children from Glasgow, UK, at age 3 years (n=78), and we did a follow-up study at age 5 years (n=72). Mean physical activity level (TEE/resting energy expenditure) was 1.56 (SD 0.39) at age 3 years and 1.61 (0.22) at age 5 years. Median time in sedentary behaviour was 79% of monitored hours at age 3 years (IQR 74-84) and 76% (71-80) at age 5 years. Median time spent in moderate to vigorous physical activity represented only 2% of monitored hours at age 3 years (IQR 1-4) and 4% at age 5 years (2-6). Modern British children establish a sedentary lifestyle at an early age.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Age Factors
  • Child Behavior / physiology*
  • Child Development / physiology
  • Child, Preschool
  • Energy Metabolism / physiology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Life Style
  • Longitudinal Studies
  • Male
  • Motor Activity / physiology*
  • Obesity / epidemiology
  • Obesity / prevention & control
  • Scotland
  • United Kingdom / epidemiology