Title: Assessment of Obesity and Factors Responsible for Obesity among School Going Children
Authors: Ujwal L Yeole, Pratiksha D Dighe, Pravin P Gawali, Roshan G Adkitte, Gaurai M Gharote
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.18535/jmscr/v4i8.05
Purpose: Overweight and obesity is confined not only to adults but also being reported among children and adolescents. This study was done to evaluate the prevalence of obesity and Factors associated to it in school going children. Methods: A cross sectional study was carried out in schools selected randomly across Pune City. Total 253 school going children were screened among them 100 children satisfying inclusion criteria were recruited. A written consent of the students and school was taken. Questionnaire was explained the students and were requested to fill the questionnaire. The clinical examination of students included assessment of body mass index (BMI) and waist hip ratio (WHR). The students were categorized into underweight, healthy weight, overweight, and obese using WHO approved CDC age specific charts (percentile BMI). Results: Total 100 school going children 49 female (mean age 14.2) and 51 male (mean age-14.0) were examined. The study showed 13% underweight, 47% healthy weight, 22% overweight and 18% obese students. About 88% populations found to be spending 0-2 hours in watching T.V., 72% spent 0-2 hours in playing video games. Only 16% students were involved in daily playing and 86% students preferred to play outdoors. About 62% mentioned about lack of physical activity in family. Many of the students had snacks as a part of diet which included drinking of sweetened beverages over fruits and vegetables. Conclusion: Overweight and obese children showed sedentary lifestyle as compared to healthy weight and underweight children. Majority of obese children showed lack of physical activity and unhealthy dietary habits. Keywords: School going children, Obesity, Healthy lifestyle questionnaire.
Abstract
