Physical activity, diet and obesity in children - several international observational projects
Childhood obesity is a public health problem globally as well as in Sweden. Further research is required in order to better understand the role of dietary behaviours and physical activity in children in this development. Our research group are involved in several national and international projects studying diet and physical activity in children.
GAC-PAQ study
The GAC-PAQ study () is an international collaboration project including 14 countries in both low-, middle-, and high-income countries. The overall aim of this study is to develop an app-based questionnaire and to determine its accuracy in measuring physical activity among 8-17-year-olds. A global questionnaire would make it easier to compare activity levels within and between countries. These types of comparisons could help identify countries that are doing well in promoting some types of activity and help other countries develop interventions to increase physical activity.
The Swedish pilot study was completed in 2024 (n =60) and data for the main study was initiated in February 2025, where we aim to recruit 500 Swedish children and adolescents aged 8–17 years old as well as one of their caregivers. Data collection will primarily be conducted in schools.
Contact person: Maria Lundgren (PhD student)
SUNRISE
The International Study of Movement Behaviours in the Early Years () is a large international collaboration project led by the University of Wollongong, Australia, and now includes 43 low, middle, and high income countries. The overall aim of this study is to monitor to the new WHO Guidelines for physical activity, sedentary behaviour and sleep for children under 5 years of age. The Swedish pilot study was completed in 2019 (n = 100) and data for the main study was initiated in February 2020, where we are aiming to recruit 1000 Swedish pre-schoolers aged 3-5 years. Contact persons: Delisle Nyström (assistant professor) and Nilsson (PhD student).
Funding: Region Östergötland, Swedish Research Council for Health, Working Life and Wellfare
Selected publications - SUNRISE Sweden
Delisle Nyström C, Alexandrou C, Henström M, Nilsson E, Okely AD, Wehbe El Masri S, Löf M
Int J Environ Res Public Health 2020 11;17(22):8491
Okely T, Reilly JJ, Tremblay MS, Kariippanon KE, Draper CE, El Hamdouchi A, et al.
BMJ Open 2021 10;11(10):e049267
Kariippanon KE, Chong KH, Janssen X, Tomaz SA, Ribeiro EH, Munambah N, et al.
Med Sci Sports Exerc 2022 Feb 8
SPINACH
This longitudinal cohort study includes 632 children originally measured in pregnancy and infancy as week as in pre-school age from the general population in Region Östergötland. When the children were nine years of age measures of body composition, physical activity, physical fitness, cardiovascular disease risk factors, and diet were collected. The aim of this prospective cohort is to investigate determinants and correlates of childhood overweight and obesity. Future follow-ups these children are currently being planned. Contact person: Prof ³¢Ã¶´Ú.
Generation Pep Study
The Generation Pep study is an annual population-based survey initiated in 2018 investigating Swedish children’s and adolescents’ dietary, physical activity, and sedentary behaviours. This survey is sent out to a random sample of 29 000 children and adolescents between 4 and 17 years of age in August/September of each year. In 2021, a pilot study was conducted including objective measures of physical activity and the goal is that future surveys will include objective measures in all or a representative sample of those selected to participate. Contact person: Delisle Nyström.
Selected publications - Generation Pep study
Rosell M, Carlander A, Cassel S, Henriksson P, J-Son Höök M, Löf M
Acta Paediatr 2021 Sep;110(9):2597-2606