1Research Scholar, Department of Research, Saveetha University, Chennai, India
2Former Head of he Department Pediatrics, Pushpagiri Medical College Hospital, Thiruvalla
3Research Director, Department of Research Saveetha University, Chennai, India
Online published on 2 November, 2018.
Prevalence of overweight and obesity is highly linked with dietary pattern. Food habits followed at young age continues to remain same even as we grow. An increased calorie intake with decreased physical activity is also a main factor in increasing the weight of an individual. The aim of the study was to study the dietary pattern existing among school children and the prevalence of overweight and obesity observed among them.
A descriptive survey was conducted among 175 children aged 6–11 years of age attending two different schools. Anthropometric measurements including Body Mass Index(BMI) were measured. The dietary habits followed by the children were collected using a questionnaire which focused on information sought from both parents and children.
21.6% of boys were overweight while 8.2% were obese, while 16.7% girls were overweight & 5.1% were obese. 38.4% of obese & overweight children were single child of their parents and 30.4% were first born child.
Prevalence, Obesity, Dietary pattern
