Anthropometric measurements and dietary habits of schoolchildren in Qatar

INTRODUCTION: Very little is known about the anthropometric measurements and dietary habits of children in the Arabian Gulf in general, and in Qatar in particular. OBJECTIVES: To conduct anthropometrics measurements on schoolchildren in Qatar and to explore their dietary habits. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out, targeting 271 (124 male and 147 female) primary school students. RESULTS: Using the body mass index as the index of adiposity, 54.8% and 23.1% of Grade One male and female children were underweight, 3.2% and 8.8% were overweight, and 1.6% and 5.4% were obese, respectively. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner were eaten by 65%, 86%, and 87% on a daily basis. Anthropometric measurements differed significantly (P < 0.05) between genders and the other children of the National Center for Health Statistics population. CONCLUSION: schoolchildren in Qatar may be considered as having less overweight and obesity occurrence than most children in the Gulf.