Prevalence and predictors of overweight and obesity among adolescents

Abstract

Background Obesity is one of the most common public health problems in both developed and developing countries. In India the nutritional status of the population varies from region to region. 1Objectives The present study aimed to determine the prevalence of obesity among adolescents and to identify the predictors of adolescent obesity or overweight in selected schools of Kerala.Methodology A total of 1340 adolescents 568 males and 772 females studying in 8th to 12th grades of seven selected schools of Ernakulam District Kerala participated in the study. Data were collected using calibrated weight scale standing stadiometer and structured socio personal performa.Results Result showed that out of 1340 samples 149 11.12 had overweight and 80 5.97 had obesity. The prevalence of overweight was more among girls 15.54 compared to boys 5.1 whereas prevalence of obesity was more among boys 7.39 compared to girls 4.92. The predictors identified include exercise OR 0.66 CI 0.49 0.86 family history of obesity OR 2.35 CI 0.31 0.59 consumption of junk foods OR 1.17 CI 1.03 1.33 and presence of thyroid disorder OR 2.71 CI 0.16 0.86. The predictors identified were included in multiple logistic regression models which identified exercise OR 0.69 CI 0.52 0.93 family history of obesity OR 2.24 CI 0.32 0.62 and consumption of junk foods as predictors of overweight or obesity.Conclusion The study concluded that exercise family history of obesity and consumption of junk foods are the predictors of overweight and obesity among adolescents.nbsp