Body Composition, Dietary Behaviors, Energy Expenditure and Physical Activity Among Moroccan Schoolchildren and Adolescents

Considering the increasing public health concern the obesity in Morocco, the aim of the present study was to use isotope techniques to assess body fat, total energy expenditure and physical activity to inform design and improve interventions for the prevention and control of obesity and related health risks such as diabetes and elevated blood pressure among children and adolescents. Specific objectives of the trial: 1. Determine the extent of obesity and physical activity levels in children and adolescents to design effective interventions in the school setting. 2.Propose alternative field based techniques for assessing body composition and physical activity that could be used in largescale situation assessments and in assessing interventions to address obesity and risk related health care. * For body composition: BMI z-score, waist circumference, waist measurement at height. * For physical activity: Questionnaire, Accelerometers 3. To identify factors contributing to the development of obesity and related health risks in schoolchildren and adolescents. 4. Collaborate with stakeholders (government, schools and / or colleges, communities and development partners) in designing interventions to address obesity and health risks. 5. To recommend to stakeholders the most effective interventions in schools to prevent and combat obesity and health risks in children and adolescents.