Factors associated with childhood obesity in Spain. The OBICE study: a case–control study based on sentinel networks

Objective To estimate the association strength of dietary behaviour and sedentary habits in relation to childhood obesity in Spain. Design A matched case-control study was carried out using data collected by sentinel network paediatricians in general practices. Setting Five Spanish autonomous communities. Subjects Cases were 437 children (2-14 years old) with BMI >95th percentile according to Spanish reference tables. Controls were 751 children (2-14 years old; two paired per case) with BMI 2 times/week (adj OR = 2·0). The highest protection effect was found for five meals per day (adj OR = 0·5), the regular consumption of breakfast (adj OR = 0·5) and for eating fruit for dessert (adj OR = 0·6). Factors related to sedentary habits did not appear as noteworthy. Conclusions We have determined the association between certain dietary behaviour and family history with childhood obesity in several Spanish regions.