A Study on Assessment of Obesity among High School Children in Urban Area of Eluru, Andhra Pradesh

Obesity can occur in any age, and generally increases with age. The aetiology of obesity is complex, and is one of multiple-causation. The first adverse effects of Obesity to emerge in population in transition are hypertension, hyperlipidaemia, glucose intolerance, coronary heart disease and the long term complications of Diabetes. Hence, it is necessary to detect the obesity at the early age and effectively correct the obesity during childhood and adolescence by advocating some life style changes.

To determine the prevalence of Obesity in high school children

To study the some risk factors of Obesity

The present community based cross sectional study was conducted at urban area of Eluru during the period from July 2010 to October 2010 with the help of Community Medicine staff. A total of 258 high school children were selected from two different schools randomly and prior permission taken from concerned authorities. Importance of the study was explained to the school management and teachers. Pretested study questionnaire was filled and the height, weight, Body mass index and waist hip ratio were recorded in both sexes. Diagnosis of Obesity was based on Body mass index >25, BMI 18.5 to 25 taken as normal as per the WHO technical report guidelines. Results were critically analyzed and necessary statistical tests like proportions and chi square tests were applied.

Out of 258 students, 157 were boys and 101 girls. Prevalence of Obesity in the study population was 9.3%. Out of 24/258 (9.3%) obese individuals 16 girls and 10 boys. About 84% boys were taking junk food and 90% girls were consuming junk food. About 71.7% were spending 1 hour time on watching TV, 23.3% were spending > or = 2 hours time on watching TV and remaining 5% were not watching the TV in their houses. Obesity was significantly associated with female sex, junk food consumption, practice of exercise and watching TV (P<0.01).

The prevalence of Obesity was found to be higher as compared to other studies. We recommend that there is a need for checking simple body mass index and waist/hip ratio were useful to assess obesity in high school going children. So that simple life style modifications and nutritional advice to the students can be initiated as early as possible and also periodical school surveys must be taken up for early identification of obesity. Wide IEC programmes about healthy dietary practices for children must be advised.