Prevalence of Childhood Obesity and Overweight Among 6-12 Years of Children in Lucknow City and Its Association with Socio-Demographic Factors

Abstract

Childhood obesity has reached pandemic levels in India. It is a significant contributing factor to various health conditions in children. There is a paucity of comprehensive data on obesity prevalence among elementary age group. Therefore, this study aims to find out the overweight and obesity prevalence among school going children of age group 6-12 years in Lucknow city. This was a cross-sectional study with a sample size of 509 students going to both private and government schools. Sample group was selected through systematic random sampling. Height, weight and BMI were measured. Respondents were categorized as obese, overweight and normal based on IAP BMI cut-offs. Socio-demographic data were systematically gathered through administration of structured questionnaires. Results were statistically analyzed using descriptive and chi-square test. The study determined that the combined prevalence rate of obesity and overweight in Luckow city was 29.7%. 13.6% of boys and 14.4% of girls were obese. Respondents related to lower and upper middle class (p <.001) and having working parents (p =.001), especially mothers (p= 0.00), were the affected highest. It can be concluded that overweight and obesity rates are getting higher in children. To address these escalating rates the implementation of robust nutritional education programs is necessary that specifically target both children and parents. Keywords: Childhood, Obesity, Overweight, Prevalence, Body mass index, Children