Adiposity and Physical Activity Among Children in Countries At Different Stages of the Physical Activity Transition: Canada, Mexico and Kenya

Introduction: Physical inactivity is a risk factor for childhood overweight and obesity, and is likely associated with habitual lifestyle transitions; however, data comparing the weight status and physical activity among children in countries at different stages of the physical activity transition are lacking. Objective: To compare the weight status and physical activity levels among children in Canada, Mexico and Kenya as a model to assess the physical activity transition. Methods: School children in Canada aged 9-13 years (n=736), Mexico 10-13 years of age (n=193) and Kenya 9-13 years (n=179) participated in this study. Measured body mass index (BMI) was used to determine weight status (underweight, normal weight, overweight and obese). Activity monitors were used to measure daily step counts. Results: 25.6% of Canadian children were overweight or obese, compared to 35.7% and 3.8% of Mexican and Kenyan children, respectively. 41.2% of the Kenyan children were underweight compared to 10.9% and 6.4% of Mexican and Canadian children, respectively. Mexican and Kenyan children were more physically active than Canadian children accumulating an average of 15,757±5565, 15,605±5963 and 10,730±3969 steps per day, respectively. Conclusion: This cross-country comparison shows that childhood overweight and obesity levels are higher in more developed countries (Canada and Mexico) whereas physical activity levels are higher in developing countries (Kenya and Mexico).