Exploratory Analysis of Associations Between Body Weight Status, Lipid Profile, and Lifestyle Factors in School-Aged Children in a Developing Country

Objective: To investigate the associations between body weight status and anthropometric parameters, lipid profile, eating behavior characteristics, and physical activity levels among children in a developing country. Methods: The study included 80 children aged 7–11 years, divided into two groups: children with normal body weight (n = 40) and children with overweight or obesity classified using WHO BMI-for-age growth reference standards (overweight >+1 SD, obesity >+2 SD). BMI, waist circumference, and lipid profile (total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, triglycerides) were measured. Eating behavior characteristics and physical activity levels were assessed using standardized questionnaires. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics, comparative tests, correlation analysis, and exploratory regression models. Results: Children with increased body weight had significantly higher BMI, waist circumference, and a more unfavorable lipid profile (p < 0.01). BMI showed a positive correlation with food enjoyment, emotional overeating, and eating speed, and a negative correlation with satiety responsiveness and food fussiness. Lower physical activity levels were associated with higher BMI and higher total cholesterol in unadjusted analyses. Conclusions: Excess body weight among children in a developing country is associated with metabolic and behavioral characteristics in this sample. Given the cross-sectional design and limited sample size, findings should be interpreted as exploratory. The findings highlight associations between body weight status, metabolic parameters, eating behavior, and physical activity, without implying causality due to the cross-sectional design.