Prevalence of Obesity and Its Associated Complications Among Suburban School Children of Navi Mumbai, India

Abstract

Childhood obesity is a complex, multifactorial, challenging problem that has been escalating at an alarming rate in the western world and also paradoxically in the developing nations like India, due to changes in lifestyle and physical activity attributed to the phenomena of westernization and rapid urbanization. To determine anthropometric measurements of school-going children and estimate the prevalence of overweight and obesity among them. To assess the dietary habits, lifestyle patterns and prevalence of associated complications in obese children. Cross sectional study. Tertiary care centre. Students from government school in the age group of 5 to 15 years. The anthropometric measurements, blood pressure, dietary history, duration of physical activity, and TV viewing were recorded on a predesigned proforma. Blood investigations were done in overweight and obese children. Prevalence of obesity and associated complications. Prevalence of obesity is 9.3% with male predominance. Prevalence of obesity was higher as per waist hip ratio (WHR) as compared to body mass index (BMI) with strong correlation between WHR and BMI for the measurement of obesity. Obese children had a higher caloric intake, a heavy dinner, and more junk food. No significant association between the duration of physical activity and obesity. Obese children viewed TV for longer periods. Fasting RBS did not have a significant association with obesity, however fasting serum insulin levels may be a more reliable marker. Lipid profile seemed to be significantly deranged in obese and overweight children. Subclinical hypothyroidism was associated with obesity in 10.6% of obese children. CRP was non-reactive in all the children who were obese. Obesity is prevalent in school going children in India. Obese children had a higher caloric intake and sedentary life style. There is increased association of obesity with dyslipidemia and subclinical hypothyroidism.