Prosenjit Naskar1 , Sima Roy2
BACKGROUND Obesity is one of the serious public health challenges of the 21st century. Studies in urban India showed that overweight / obesity among adolescents varied from 10.45 % to 21 %. Obesity / overweight is a major risk factor for no communicable disease and some cancers. We wanted to determine the prevalence of obesity and related lifestyle behaviour among the adolescent students. METHODS A descriptive study was carried out among adolescent students in an urban area of West Bengal. BMI was assessed according to WHO growth reference for school children (5 - 19 years). Food frequency data and pattern of physical activity was recorded based on GSHS. Adequacy of physical activity was assessed based on set WHO criteria. Data was collected with a self-administered structured schedule. Anthropometric measurements and record review were done. RESULTS 3.5 % were obese. 12.6 % were overweight, 75.3 % were of normal weight, 8.6 % were thin. Daily consumption of vegetables, milk and fruits were 58.1 %, 31.1 % and 9.3 % respectively. Consumption of carbonated soft drink and fast food was low. All consumed iodised salt and 18.2 % consumed extra salt. 23.9 % of the students performed the recommended physical activity. 46 % student used computer, 53.2 % used mobile. Most watched TV. Overweight / obesity was significantly related to type of family, vegetable consumption and history of chronic diseases in the family. CONCLUSIONS About 16.1 % of the students were overweight / obese. Physical activity and dietary pattern were not satisfactory. A substantial number of students used computer, mobile and watched TV. Thus, promotion for intake of healthy diet, adequate physical activity, and regular health check-up is recommended.
