Prevalence of Overweight among Adolescent Girls

Overweight and obesity are the rising epidemics in the world today. Overweight occurs in approximate 30–60% of women with PCOS¹.PCOS is the one of the most leading cause of female infertility affecting 5–10% of reproductive age.

The study aims at identifying the prevalence of overweight among adolescent girls.

A descriptive study design was adopted to conduct the study. A total of 150 samples of age group 13–14 years from Dinul Islam Sabha Higher Secondary School, Kannur. Convenient sampling technique was adopted to calculate population from different stream. Data were collected using predesigned questionnaire developed by investigators. Height and weight measured by using standardised weighing machine and tape measure. Data was analysed using descriptive (frequency, mean, median, percentage) and inferential statistics (chi-square test).

Findings of study revealed that among the selected150 adolescent girls, 5% had over weight, and the rest 95% had normal weight. Omission of breakfast, late dinner time, and hereditary factors contributed to overweight.

The study recommended the need for detailed curriculum based health education regarding overweight and its complication, and its prevention in schools as well as increasing awareness regarding the sequelae of overweight, thereby motivating the adolescent girls to incorporate healthy life style practices into their daily living.