Relationship of hyperactivity/inattention with adiposity and lifestyle characteristics in preschool children

J Child Neurol. 2012 Jul;27(7):852-8. doi: 10.1177/0883073811428009. Epub 2011 Dec 29.

Abstract

We performed a cross-sectional study in 450 nonreferred preschool children aged 4 to 6 years to assess the association between hyperactivity/inattention with adiposity and lifestyle characteristics. Measurements included scores of hyperactivity/inattention, adiposity, objectively measured physical activity, television viewing, and eating habits. Higher scores of hyperactivity/inattention were associated with lower percentage body fat, higher levels of physical activity, and less time spent in sedentary activity (all P ≤ .01). However, higher scores of hyperactivity/inattention were also associated with more television viewing and less healthy eating habits (all P ≤ .04). Except for some selected eating habits (P ≥ .07), those relationships remained significant after adjustment for age, sex, and sociodemographic confounders. To conclude, higher scores of hyperactivity/inattention are linked to different lifestyle characteristics that may in part contribute to a future development of overweight/obesity. Precise mechanisms explaining these associations and possible preventive approaches should be further investigated.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adiposity*
  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / epidemiology*
  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / psychology*
  • Body Mass Index
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Europe / epidemiology
  • Feeding Behavior
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Life Style*
  • Male
  • Models, Statistical
  • Motor Activity
  • Obesity / epidemiology
  • Obesity / psychology