Impact of Socioeconomic Status on Prevalence of Overweight and Obesity among Children and Adolescents in Urban India

Abstract

To determine the prevalence and risk factors of overweight and obesity among the school children aged 8-15 years. A cross sectional design was adopted and 3 schools (2 private and 1 corporation schools) were selected by stratified cluster-sampling technique. Data was collected by interviewer administered method by trained research officers using a pre- tested and validated questionnaire to a total sample of 1193 school children from grades IV to X (i.e.) aged 8 to15 years. Prevalence rates were calculated using WHO-BMI for age percentile chart 2007. Regression analysis was done to determine the risk factors associated with overweight. The overall prevalence of overweight was 12.1% among the children and 15.5 % among the adolescents. Both overweight (22%) and obesity (13.7%) were highest among girls from affluent families. The mean anthropometric measurements, prevalence of overweight and obesity were higher among the urban affluent children. Factors associated with overweight were upper socioeconomic status (OR-3.4, CI-1.8 to 6.7, P<0.0001) and greater than 2hours television watching (OR -2.5, CI- 1.1 to 5.4, P < 0.0001). The children had grossly inadequate knowledge about healthy lifestyle habits. Overweight and obesity are predisposing factors for many diseases. These findings suggest the need for early intervention programs, targeting the children from affluent society.