Abstract
Background: World Health Organization refers obesity as a global epidemic including children and adults. Low levels of physical activity, TV watching, and unhealthy food habits are risk factors for overweight and obesity in children. Objective: To study the association between eating habits and physical activities and the risk of obesity in school children in Thrissur District, Kerala. Materials and Methods: 1610 school children of the age group 5-10 years from 5 schools of rural and urban regions were selected by purposive sampling method. Pre-designed and pre-tested questionnaire was used to elicit the dietary history and physical activity. Height and weight were measured and BMI was calculated. Overweight and obesity were determined. Students who had BMI for age between 85 Th and 95 Th percentile of reference population were considered as overweight and BMI for age >95 Th percentile of reference population were considered as obese. Results: The prevalence of obesity is found to be 3.3% and that of overweight is 4.8% in the study group. The prevalence of obesity is 4.47% and 1.98% in urban and rural school children respectively. Frequency of intake of fried foods, chocolates, Play hours <1hr and transport to school by vehicle has a significant influence on BMI. Conclusion: The prevalence of obesity and overweight (BMI>85th Percentile) is significantly higher in urban school children compared to rural school children .Physical inactivity and increased intake of high calorie foods are the main causes for high prevalence.
Highlights
Obesity is one of the major problems affecting children and adolescents and is a universal nutritional concern
1610 school children of the age group 5-10 years from rural and urban schools were subjected to BP recording and anthropometric measurements after getting informed consent and questionnaire about food habits and physical activity
The prevalence of obesity is 4.47% and 1.98% in urban and rural school children respectively Frequency of intake of fried foods and chocolates, Play hours
Summary
Obesity is one of the major problems affecting children and adolescents and is a universal nutritional concern. The increase in childhood and adolescent obesity has resulted in an increase in obesity and overweight in adults It has a public health consequence as 80% of overweight children become. The present study was designed to determine risk factors for overweight and obesity and was to investigate the differences in food consumption and physical activity among school children. Low levels of physical activity, TV watching, and unhealthy food habits are risk factors for overweight and obesity in children. Objective: To study the association between eating habits and physical activities and the risk of obesity in school children in Thrissur District, Kerala. Conclusion: The prevalence of obesity and overweight (BMI>85th Percentile) is significantly higher in urban school children compared to rural school children .Physical inactivity and increased intake of high calorie foods are the main causes for high prevalence
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