Coexistence of obesity and underweight in children is a public health challenge,
and in order for a child to develop into a healthy adult, he must follow healthy
lifestyle practices in all aspects: nutrition, physical activity and recreation. This
study aimed to determine prevalence of overweight/obesity, underweight and
stunting among primary school children in Assiut city as well as to assess their
association with lifestyle practices Subjects and Methods: A descriptive
correlational study design conducted in Assiut city. Four schools were randomly
selected (two public and two private) and 850 children from the last three grades
were included in the study. A self-administered questionnaire was designed to
assess personal data, lifestyle practice and anthropometric characteristics. Results:
The prevalence of underweight, overweight and stunting of primary school children
were 41.2%, 14.4% and 13.8%, respectively. These proportions were high among
males versus females without significant difference and were affected significantly
by age (p < 0.05). Frequency of meals >3 times, always eating during screening
time, irregular physical activity, not eating vegetables or breakfast and consumed
snacks regularly were highly significant risk factors for being overweight/obese (P
<0.001). Whereas, no association between most life style practices and stunting.
Conclusion: The prevalence of stunting and underweight was high among boys,
while girls tend to be overweight / obese. These abnormal weight categories
(overweight/obesity and underweight) were significantly associated with lifestyle
practices of school children. Therefore, there is need to develop behavioral
approach policies to motivate children to change their unhealthy behaviors.