A CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY ON PREVALENCE OF OVERWEIGHT/OBESITY AND RISK FACTORS AMONG (10-19 YEARS) ADOLESCENTS IN INDIAN POPULATION

Abstract

Background: Overweight/Obesity is becoming a worldwide problem affecting all levels of society and thus is being described as global epidemic. The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of overweight/obesity among adolescents aged (10-19 years) and to describe certain socio-economic status, demographic characteristics related to overweight/obesity among adolescents.
Objectives: A study was conducted to screen the (10-19 years) adolescents in the community and obtain for overweight/obesity using BMI classification to determine and assess the prevalence of Overweight/Obesity. To describe certain Socio-Economic Status, Demographic characteristics related to overweight/obesity among adolescents. Results: Out of 900 students 52.9% were males remaining 47.1% were females. 18.7% were found to be overweight adolescents (BMI 25-29.99kg/m2); 20.4% of males and 16.7% of females; 5.8% were found to be pre obese adolescents (BMI 30-34.49 km/m2); 10.7% of males and 0.2% of females. Also underweight adolescents (BMI <25 kg/m2) out of 15% were 5.3% of severe thinness, 1.6% of moderate thinness, 8.1% of mild thinness, 10.9% were males and 19.6%were females. Overweight adolescents (BMI 25-29.99 kg/m2); 18.0% of 10-14 yrs and 20.1% of 15-19 yrs; pre obese adolescents (BMI 30-34.49 km/m2); 7.5% of 10-14 yrs and 2.3% of 15-19 yrs. Also underweight (BMI < 25 kg/m2) out of this 13.8% were 10-14 yrs and 17.4% were 15-19 yrs.
Conclusion: Study finding conclude that the prevalence of overweight/obesity was more in boys compared to girls. The study results reveal that prevalence of overweight/obesity were high among boys, which is comparable to the earlier studies, and need to be addressed by primary and secondary methods of prevention. To control and reduce the child obesity, there should be proper planned health diet for the children have a regular physical exercise is also needed in order to improve the condition in a better way to making the normal adolescents.