Impact of sociodemographic factors, sleep, physical activity, and sedentary lifestyle on central obesity in schoolchildren aged 6-12 years in Marrakech, Morocco.

Background: Central obesity is a growing public health concern globally, and the recognition of its specific impact on Moroccan demographics remains scarce. This study examined the associations of body mass index (BMI) and central obesity status (WtHR) with sociodemographic characteristics and lifestyle habits in a sample of school-aged children from Marrakech, Morocco. Methods: The study sample consisted of 1161 children (9.43 ± 1.86 years old, 47 % boys) who attended nine public primary schools. Trained nurses conducted anthropometric measurements to determine the children's BMI and waist-to-height ratio, with a value of 0.5 or greater indicating central obesity. The study also collected data on children's lifestyle habits through a self-report questionnaire. Results: Nine percent of the children were classified as centrally obese. The children's age, sex, place of residence, family structure, phone ownership, mother's literacy, and being a single child were significantly associated with BMI (p < 0.05). However, only being a single child and belonging to a single-parent family were significantly associated with central obesity (p < 0.05). Children with central obesity, compared to their noncentrally obese counterparts, reported poorer sleep duration, more sedentary habits, and less physical activity, but no significant associations were found (p > 0.05). Conclusion: High rates of central obesity among schoolchildren in Marrakech, Morocco, require targeted interventions considering various factors, such as sociodemographic background, family dynamics, duration of sleep, and sedentary behavior. Addressing this issue is crucial for better health outcomes for Moroccan children.