Encouraging physical activity in Pacific children, an effective way to prevent childhood obesity? Pilot study in schools in Wallis and Futuna

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Introduction: Physical activity is recognized as a key element in the fight against childhood obesity. The territory of Wallis and Futuna, located in the Pacific region, is particularly affected by this public health issue, and a number of initiatives have been taken in recent years to encourage physical activity among children. Aim of the study: The aim of the Move Ô study is to objectively assess the level of physical activity of 10-year-old children in this French overseas territory and to identify the factors likely to influence physical activity, as well as any links with weight status. Method: 32 Wallisian schoolchildren aged between 9 and 11 were weighed and measured, completed a lifestyle questionnaire, and wore a wrist accelerometer for one week. Parents and school principals also completed a questionnaire to provide information about the child’s environment, and teachers answered questions via a semi-structured interview about health and physical activity. Results: 84% of the children met the World Health Organization’s recommendations, which encourage more than 60 minutes of moderate or vigorous physical activity every day. However, over 55% were overweight or obese. Conclusions: Given the high level of physical activity among children, Wallis and Futuna’s territorial policy in favor of an active lifestyle appears to be effective. However, physical activity alone is not enough to prevent childhood obesity, and other factors, such as diet and its sociocultural representations, need to be studied and taken into account by territorial policies to improve the health status of children on these Pacific islands.