Prevalence of Obesity among Primary School Children Living in Egypt

Abstract

Obesity is a disease that dangerously affects health. BMI is the most preferable method to define. Childhood obesity is one of the major public health problems not only in low and middle income countries but also in high income. Obesity problem was in a rising curve in the last decade. School age is important period to early discover and effective intervention. Participants and methods: A cross sectional survey managed in 2018 including 31270 children in school age period in Egypt. Data was collected through a simple questionnaire and Measure weight, height and BMI. Assessment was in relation to BMI for age Z score. 200 obese children were selected randomly from the obese on basis of parental consent for investigations. Results: 31270 students (6-11years) were studied. 15.02% overweight and 10.55% obese. Prevalence among boys (14.2%) more than girls 6.7%. higher in urban (15.5%) compared to rural (6.8%).higher among high socioeconomic standard (14.1%). Higher between (8-9 years) (15.9%) than other age groups. Cholesterol level was high in 20% of the selected cases while LDL was high in10% while Triglyceride was high in 25% of cases unlike HDL was low in only 15%. Conclusion: Overweight and obesity was 15.02% and 10.55% respectively. Higher among boys, urban and high socioeconomic. Cholesterol, LDL and TG were lower in 20%, 10% and 20% respectively and in HDL was lower in 15%.