Rural Preschoolers Show Higher Risk of Overweight and Obesity Linked to Increased Sedentary and Screen Time

Recent research presented at the European Congress on Obesity (ECO25) in Malaga, Spain, highlights a concerning trend among preschool children in rural areas. The study indicates that 3 to 4-year-olds living in rural environments are more prone to overweight and abdominal obesity—characterized by excess fat around the waist—and tend to spend more time on screens compared to their urban peers.

The investigation, part of the international SUNRISE study, involved 1,080 Finnish children and focused on how movement behaviors—such as physical activity, sedentary habits, screen time, and sleep—relate to indicators of adiposity like BMI and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR). Findings showed that children in rural areas had a higher prevalence of overweight (24% vs. 16%) and abdominal obesity (19% vs. 13%) than urban children. Additionally, rural preschoolers slept slightly longer and engaged in more screen time daily.

The study revealed specific patterns: in urban settings, higher moderate to vigorous physical activity was associated with increased risk of overweight, while in rural areas, more light physical activity also correlated with higher overweight risk. Importantly, only in rural areas did increased screen time link significantly to higher risks of both overweight and abdominal obesity.

Lead researcher Dr. Karoliina Uusitalo explained that waist-to-height ratio might be a more accurate indicator of adiposity than BMI, which can be influenced by muscle mass. The stronger association between screen time and obesity in rural children suggests that excessive screen exposure plays a more prominent role in these settings.

The study emphasizes the importance of tailored prevention strategies, especially at the community level, to mitigate early childhood obesity, which poses long-term health risks. While the findings do not establish causation due to the cross-sectional design, they underscore the need for interventions reducing sedentary behavior and promoting active lifestyles among young children, particularly in rural areas.

This research contributes valuable insights into how environmental and behavioral factors influence early childhood obesity, urging policymakers and caregivers to address sedentary habits in rural communities for better health outcomes.

Source: medicalxpress.com