Background: Childhood dyslipidemia is an important risk factor for developing cardiovascular disease in adulthood. Our study aimed to investigate a possible correlation between nutritional, lifestyle, behavioral and socioeconomic factors and serum lipid levels in children with dyslipidemia. Methods: In this retrospective, observational study, in 31 children with dyslipidemia, aged 3–14 years, dietary habits, physical activity, hours watching television or playing video games, family’s socioeconomic status, weight of children and parents, and duration of breastfeeding were recorded. The children’s adherence to the Mediterranean diet was also evaluated by KidMed index. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS.22. Results: Children with increased physical activity had lower triglyceride levels, compared to those with lower physical activity (p = 0.001). Children who consumed only one meal per day, had increased levels of total cholesterol (p = 0.01), LDL-cholesterol (p = 0.01), ApoB (p = 0.001) and lipoprotein (a) (p = 0.018), compared to those who consumed more than 3 meals per day (p < 0.05). Children who were breastfed less than 6 months had significantly increased LDL-C levels (p = 0.022), compared to children who were breastfed more than 6 months. All other parameters investigated did not differ significantly. Conclusions: This study showed association between lipid profile of children with dyslipidemia and specific nutritional and socioeconomic factors, such as increased physical activity, increased meals consumption during the day, and exclusive breastfeeding for more than 6 months. Nevertheless, further research is needed, in order to confirm these findings.

Research data indicate the possible effect of both polyphenols consumption and Mediterranean diet adherence on metabolic diseases’ prevalence. The present retrospective study investigated the possible association of polyphenols mean daily intake with Mediterranean diet adherence and anthropometric indices in a sample of the Greek population. A total of 250 healthy volunteers, aged between 18 and 65 years, were randomly recruited from central and northern Greece. Total daily polyphenols intake was estimated using a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) based on the NHANES study, while Med Diet Score was used for the degree of Mediterranean diet adoption. Daily polyphenols intake was identified by the Phenol Explorer database, and anthropometric measurements (BMI, waist-to-hip circumference, and body composition) were performed. The mean daily polyphenols intake was determined to be 1905 mg, while most of the participants had moderate or high mean consumption last year (67.5% of the sample were consuming more than 1000 mg/d). Moderate adherence to the Mediterranean diet (higher Med Diet Score) was associated with increased mean daily polyphenols intake (p = 0.016). Increased polyphenols intake and higher Med Diet Score were associated with decreased waist-to-hip circumference (p = 0.027, 0.004, respectively). Specific functional foods rich in polyphenols, such as sour cherry, tomatoes, black tea, and cocoa were associated with improved body composition indices. Larger epidemiological studies need to be performed for safer conclusions about whole population polyphenols intake and its association with metabolic disease biomarkers.

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Introduction: The nature of the etiology of obesity is multifactorial. Aims: The purpose of the study was to develop a childhood obesity probability assessment index based to social behavioral factors and sociodemographic characteristics of the family. Materials and method: The study was cross-sectional with additional data from a representative sample of 187 students (9-13 years old) from the city of Agrinio (The Agrinio City Study). Impaired perception of body image, increased school shyness/anxiety, poor school acceptance and reduced school performance were found to independently correlate with childhood obesity. Therefore these factors combined with the child's sex to create an index estimating the probability of childhood obesity (SOREI Index: School Obesity Risk Evaluation Index). Results: The score of SOREI index ranged from 0 to 13. For each unit increase in the index SOREI was a corresponding increase in obesity probability (probability range 3% to 42%). The diagnostic accuracy was evaluated by means of analysis of the ROC (Receiver Operating Characteristic Curve), whereby the score of 6 SOREI index can best separate the obese than non-obese children. For this optimum threshold SOREI sensitivity ratio was 59% and the corresponding specificity 67%. Conclusions: The proposed indicator can be used by teachers to identify the increased probability of childhood obesity in schools. An inexpensive tool can be useful in supporting initiatives that could assist in the prevention of childhood obesity and social exclusion.

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Purpose: Children obesity consists a fundamental problem of public health in Greece. The understanding of the factors which is correlated to is a requirement for the implementation of intervening policy and treatment. The aim of the study was to investigate the dietary habits of the students in Lemnos Island and their correlation to obesity and overweight rates. Materials and methods: 130 students of the 4th, 5th and the 6th grade from three primary schools of Lemnos Island completed a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). A weigh measurement followed BMI calculation with the use of growth charts in order to estimate the rates of obese, overweight and underweight children. Correlations were carried out between children dietary patterns and their BMI. Results: Τhe majority of the children follow a balanced diet according to the nutritional recommendations. The obesity prevalence and the overweight rates of the Lemnos students was 8.2% and 16.4%, respectively. 72.4% of the students had normal weight, whereas 3% of them were underweight. There was no correlation of obesity/overweight rates with the dietary patterns and physical activity. Boys consume breakfast more frequently in comparison to girls and are more occupied with athletic activities. In the 4th grade the breakfast consumption was more frequent in comparison to the 6th grade. Conclusions: The students of Lemnos appear low rates of overweight, in comparison with other studies in Greek land, by following a balanced diet. The environment and the living conditions of the children on the island may contribute to adapting a healthier way of living.

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