The association between frequency of eating out with overweight and obesity among children aged 6–17 in China: a National Cross-sectional Study

BACKGROUND: In parallel with the increased prevalence of childhood overweight and obesity, the proportion of eating out in China has increased dramatically in recent years. The purpose of the study was to explore the association between frequency of eating out with overweight and obesity among Chinese children. METHODS: The representative sample was recruited from Chinese National Nutrition and Health Survey (CNNHS) in 2010–2012, which included Chinese children aged 6–17 years (7685 boys and 7576 girls). Frequency of eating out was collected by interview-administered questionnaire and categorized as: 0, 1–2 and ≥ 3 times per week. Height and weight were measured, consequently body mass index was calculated. RESULTS: The prevalence of eating out among Chinese children aged 6–17 years old was 23.2%. Children who ate out 0, 1–2, ≥3 times per week were accounted for 76.8, 10.9 and 12.3% respectively. Findings revealed that eating out three times per week or more was statistically significant associated with higher prevalence of overweight and obesity among boys (OR = 1.20,95CI:1.04–1.38) compared with those ate out less than three times per week. However, no significantly association was observed among girls (OR = 0.91, 95CI:0.78–1.01). In additional, Younger children, rural children, children from low income family, those with leisure exercises (certain physical activities regularly carried out such as swimming, walking, running, equipment fitness), leisure time sedentary behaviors (LTSB)(> 2 h/d) were relatively more likely to eat out. CONCLUSIONS: The results illustrated that eating out three times or more had a significantly positive effect on overweight and obesity among boys in China. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-021-11104-0.