Abstract:

Objective: It would not be right to link the reasons for the worldwide increase in incidents of childhood obesity and those of allergic diseases only to genetics. Obesity, asthma and allergic diseases can be prevented through the consumption of healthy food. In this study, children’s eating habits, obesity, asthma and other allergic diseases were intended to determine their relationship with each other. Methods: In a high socioeconomic level school in Mardin, asthma and allergic diseases of children aged between 7-15 were diagnosed by a doctor, and their eating habits between meals, food types they buy from the school canteen and their family data were determined by survey. Obesity and overweight were higher with the boys than the girls. 21.7% of the girls, 13. 4% of boys had allergic diseases. Allergic diseases were remarkably frequent with girls (p<0.0001). 1.6% of the girls and 2.3% of the boys had asthma. Allergic diseases were higher with the overweight and obese groups. Children who had breakfast regularly had significantly less tendency to be overweight or obese (p<0.00001). Genetic predisposition is the most important factor in emerging obesity and allergic diseases. However, it is not possible to explain the worldwide increase of obesity, allergic diseases and asthma only by genetics. The part played by complex dietary factors should be explained for obesity, asthma and other allergic diseases and understood through a multidisciplinary approach

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