Abstract
Introduction: Physical activity is one of the major lifestyle-related health determinant. Regular physical activity of moderate intensity – such as walking, cycling, or participation in sports – has significant benefits for health. In today’s world, the physical activity, one of the major health-protecting behaviour seems to decline among the adolescents.
Aim and Objectives: To study the pattern of physical activity and its association with overweight and obesity among rural school going adolescents.
Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Lakhanmajra block (rural block) of Rohtak district over a period of one year from July 2016 to June 2017. A total of 750 students from six co-educational government senior secondary schools were included in the study. Data were collected using pre-designed, pre-tested, semi-structured interview schedule and analysed using SPSS version 20.0.
Results: Prevalence of overweight and obesity was 6.7% and 1.1% respectively. 10.3% of the study subjects who were not in the habit of doing any exercises in the morning after getting up were found to be obese/ overweight. 13.2% of the study subjects who did not have the habit of playing daily were obese/ overweight. 22% of the study subjects who used to spend 2-3 hours in a day in idle activities like watching TV or chatting with friends and playing mobile games were obese/overweight. About one fourth (25.6%) of the study subjects who were in the habit of sleeping in the afternoon or evening were obese/overweight. Habit of playing daily, its duration and sleeping in the afternoon/evening were significantly associated with overweight/obesity.
Conclusion: Physical inactivity leads to obesity which in turn gives rise to cardio-vascular diseases and diabetes. Thus, it is the need of the hour to address this problem and devise programs and strategies to prevent overweight and obesity among adolescents. The children should be encouraged for doing physical activity not only for weight control but also for general well-being.
Keywords: Physical activity, adolescents, rural, overweight, obesity.
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Corresponding Author
Dr B M Vashisht
Professor, Department of Community Medicine, Pt B D Sharma PGIMS, Rohtak
Mobile number: 9812176692, Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.18535/jmscr/v6i1.134
