Overweight and obesity among adolescent school children in the Colombo education zone

Abstract

Background Sri Lanka has undergone rapid development during the past few decades, resulting in broad socioeconomic changes including rapid urbanization and industrialization. This has led to a nutrition transition with an increase in the prevalence of overweight and obesity. Adolescent obesity is a major problem as it leads to several adult life problems such as non-communicable diseases. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of overweight and obesity among 14 to 15-year-old school children in the Colombo education zone. Method A school-based cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among a sample of 1728 students representing all schools in the Colombo education zone selected using a multi stage cluster sampling method. Weight and height of all subjects were measured according to standard procedures using standard equipment. BMI for age was calculated using WHO charts. Results Prevalence of overweight and obesity among adolescents was revealed as 10.8% (CI 9.3-12.5) and 3.9% (CI 3.1-5.0) respectively, with no gender difference. Studying in semi-government or international schools was statistically significantly associated with adolescent overweight and obesity (p=0.000). Conclusion Overweight and obesity among adolescents in the Colombo education zone is a significant public health problem.