Prevalence of overweight and obesity and factors affecting it in affluent adolescents of Raichur city

Abstract

INTRODUCTION Obesity is defined as a BMI at or above the 95th percentile for children of the same age and sex. 1 Overweight is defined as a BMI at or above the 85th percentile and lower than the 95th percentile for children of the same age and sex. 1 Obesity is an important pediatric public health problem associated with risk of complications in childhood and increased morbidity and mortality throughout adult life. 2 Childhood obesity was considered a problem of affluent countries. Today the problem has started appearing even in the developing countries. Currently the prevalence of obesity in school children is 20% in the UK and Australia, 15.8% in Saudi Arabia , 15.6% in Thailand, 10% in Japan and 7.8% in Iran. 2 National representative data for childhood obesity in India is unavailable, however available studies of Chennai and New Delhi show prevalence of 6.2% and 7.4% respectively. 3,4 The prevalence of overweight and obesity has also increased in children and adolescents in developing countries, from ABSTRACT Background: Childhood obesity is associated with increased incidence of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, coronary heart diseases, osteoarthritis and overall increase in morbidity and mortality in adult life. Most of the studies have been done in metropolitan cities of India. This study aims to assess the prevalence of obesity and overweight and to identify the factors influencing adolescent obesity in a smaller district like Raichur, situated in the NorthEastern part of Karnataka. Methods: A cross-sectional study was done among 984 students aged 10-16 years from 3 schools which cater the well-to-do of Raichur city. Their BMI was calculated and determined as to whether they were obese or overweight. The students were given questionnaire to collect data about type of diet, intake of junk foods, number of hours of sleep, daily exercise, TV viewing and knowledge about obesity and its effects. Results: The prevalence of obesity and overweight was found to be 4.6% and 11.3% respectively and was found to be higher in girls (6% & 12% respectively) than boys (3.6% & 10.8% respectively). Daily exercise, intake of junk food and duration of sleep of more than 8 hours were found to be significant factors influencing adolescent obesity. Conclusions: Prevalence of adolescent obesity is an emerging problem of not only Metropolitan cities, but also that of small towns and districts like Raichur. Steps need to be taken to prevent obesity at the onset itself by daily exercise, increasing physical activity, reducing intake of junk foods etc. Further studies are required to elucidate the factors influencing adolescent obesity.