International Journal of Contemporary Medicine
  • Year: 2015
  • Volume: 3
  • Issue: 1

Prevalence of Overweight and Obesity among Rural High School Children in Patancheru, Andhra Pradesh

1Assistant Professor, Community Medicine Department Mediciti Institute of Medical Sciences, Ghanpur, Medchal, Hyderabad, Telangana

2Professor, Dept. of Community Medicine, Gandhi Medical College, Hyderabad, Telangana

3Professor, Dept. of Community Medicine, Apollo Institute of Medical Sciences, Hyderabad, Telangana, India

*Corresponding author: M Surya Durga Prasad, Assistant Professor, Dept. of Community Medicine, Mediciti Institute of Medical Sciences, Ghanpur, Medchal, Hyderabad, Telangana, Email ID: surya354@gmail.com

Online published on 31 January, 2015.

Abstract

The WHO describes overweight and obesity as one of today's most important public health problem, which is escalating as a global epidemic. Even in countries like India, which are typically known for high prevalence of under nutrition, a significant proportion of overweight and obese children now coexist with those who are undernourished. There are only few studies that estimated the prevalence and the risk factors in rural school children in India.

To estimate the prevalence of overweight and obesity and its risk factors among high school children.

High school children of 12 - 16 years age group.

Study conducted at Patancheru, Andhra Pradesh the rural field practice area of Osmania Medical College, Hyderabad.

A cross sectional study. Sample size: 1276 children.

By simple random sampling.

By using predesigned and pretested questionnaire.

By using Microsoft excel 2007 and Epiinfo 3.5.3.

The overall prevalence of overweight and obesity was 5.1% and the prevalence among private high school children (6.3%) was significantly higher than government (3.9%). The prevalence was significantly higher among those who are having family history of obesity (8%) and those who watched television more than 1 hour per day (6.7%).

This study confirmed that there is increasing trend of overweight/obesity in children and emphasizes that regular physical exercise, regulated television viewing, and healthy eating behaviors could contribute to controlling overweight and obesity.

Keywords

Overweight, Obesity, School Children, Television, Physical Activity