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Abstract
Introduction Very little is known about the anthropometric measurements and dietary habits of children in the Arabian Gulf in general, and in Qatar in particular. Objectives To conduct anthropometrics measurements on schoolchildren in Qatar and to explore their dietary habits. Methods A cross-sectional study was carried out, targeting 271 (124 male and 147 female) primary school students. Results Using the body mass index as the index of adiposity, 54.8% and 23.1% of Grade One male and female children were underweight, 3.2% and 8.8% were overweight, and 1.6% and 5.4% were obese, respectively. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner were eaten by 65%, 86%, and 87% on a daily basis. Anthropometric measurements differed significantly (P < 0.05) between genders and the other children of the National Center for Health Statistics population. Conclusion schoolchildren in Qatar may be considered as having less overweight and obesity occurrence than most children in the Gulf.