Feeding practices, physical activity, and fitness in Spanish preschoolers: influence of sociodemographic outcome measures

Preschool age is critical for the development of adequate eating and physical activity habits. The purpose of this study was to analyze the nutritional status, physical activity (PA) and fitness levels in preschool children in relation to gender and parental sociodemographic outcome measures. Preschool children selected from 30 school facilities in Southern Spain were included. Children's PA and fitness parameters, anthropometry, and nutritional status, and parental sociodemographic outcome measures were recorded. A total of 1287 children aged between 3 and 6 years old (643 boys and 644 girls) participated in the study, together with 1267 parents (72.4%: mothers, 27.6%: fathers). Girls had a lower overweight and obesity rate than boys. Significant differences were observed by gender in the consumption of certain food: girls ate more dairy products at breakfast and olive oil, whereas boys ate more fast food and pasta or rice. Boys had a better fitness level. Children from a lower socioeconomic level had a higher body mass index, a worse nutritional status, and a lower PA level. Children whose parents had completed university education had a lower body mass index and a better nutritional status. Preschoolers had a high overweight and obesity rate, and a low PA level, compared to international references. The fitness level of girls was lower than that observed in boys. Children whose parents had a low socioeconomic level and no education had a poor nutritional status.