Abstract:
Purpose: The influence of environment in the development of overweight and obesity is
an ongoing concern. This investigation examined the influence of urbanization on the
rates of childhood overweight and obesity.
Method: 2167 (1090M, 1077F) grade four children from 75 schools in Ontario's Niagara
Region were sampled. A sophisticated algorithm overlaying electoral boundaries,
population densities, and the knowledge of community members was used to classify
schools into one of three location categories: urban {N= 1588), urban fringe {N= 379),
and rural (A^= 234). Each subject was measured for: height, weight, and aerobic
performance (Leger). Physical activity was evaluated with the self-report Participation
Questionnaire (free-time and organized sport activities), and teacher's evaluations of
student activity. Overweight (overweight and obesity combined) was measured both as a
continuous (BMI) and categorical variable (BMI category), to evaluate the prevalence by
location. A multivariate analysis was used to test for a suppression effect.
Results: BMI and BMI category did not differ significantly by location or gender, and no
evidence of a gender interaction existed. According to both a linear and logistic
regression, physical activity or fitness levels did not suppress the influence of location on
BMI and BMI category. Age, gender, free-time activity, organized sports, fitness level,
and number of siblings, were all found to significantly influence overweight.
Conclusions: It is plausible that the prevalence of overweight does not differ in urban and
rural children from the Niagara Region. Further investigation is recommended,
examining subjects by individual location of residence, in multiple regions throughout
Ontario.
