Greeshma Lathika Rajasekharan Nair1, Vimala Chellappan2
BACKGROUND
Obesity is being designated as a global epidemic by the world health organisation.
The problem of obesity is confined not only to adults but also to children and
adolescents. Various studies also indicate that the prevalence of overweight and
obesity amongst children of all ages is increasing in developing countries in the
past few decades. The present study was undertaken to find the prevalence of
overweight and obesity among school going adolescents 13 to 17 years of age in
urban wards under Government Medical College Health Unit,
Thiruvananthapuram.
METHODS
A cross-sectional study with a sample size of 1100 selected through multistage
random sampling was conducted. Physical measurements as well as data
regarding sociodemographic variables, dietary behaviour, physical activity,
perception of body weight, and awareness regarding overweight and obesity were
obtained using a pretested semi structured questionnaire. Descriptive analysis was
done, followed by bivariate and multivariate analysis to find out the major
determinants of overweight and obesity.
RESULTS
The prevalence of overweight among adolescents aged 13 - 17 years attending
schools under the medical college health unit area was found to be 11.3 % and
that of obesity was 3.5 %. Girls had a slightly higher prevalence of overweight
(12.3 %) as compared to boys (10.2 %) in the same age group of 13 - 17 years.
Prevalence of overweight / obesity is found to be significantly associated with
higher socioeconomic status, increased time spent on TV (more than 8 hours a
week), increased intake of fatty foods like fish fry and chicken, family history of
overweight, and mode of conveyance to school using motor vehicles.
CONCLUSIONS
The prevalence of overweight and obesity continues to increase even after
improving our schools with more playtime periods and giving health education on
healthy eating practices. Balancing interventions are of utmost necessity. There is
an equal proportion of students who are underweight especially in the schools of
government sector.
