Abstract

ObjectiveTo determine the perception of Almethnab town secondary school male students towards their body weights.MethodologyWe surveyed male secondary school students in Almethnab town in Qassim using a self-administered questionnaire and weighing/height scale. All of the four secondary schools were targeted. The calculated sample size was 256 students. A stratified cluster sampling technique was used to select research participants. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated and interpreted using web-based CDC childhood and adolescent BMI calculator. Weight status perception was assessed by comparing students' opinions about their weight against BMI percentile status.ResultsOut of 363 selected students, all of the available 270 students participated, with a response rate of 74%. Thirty-two (12.2%) of the students were underweight, 143 (54.6%) were normal, 30 (11.5%) were overweight, and 57 (21.8%) were obese. Students perception towards their weight was correct for 159 (65%) of students. Out of the 87 overweight/obese students, 16 (18.4%) perceived their weight as appropriate, 17 (53.1%) of 32 underweight students look at their bodies as normal, while 29 (20.4%) of normal weight students perceive themselves as overweight. Obese students exercise less both in frequency and duration than non-obese ones. Sweetened drinks, fast food and frequent snacks are weakly associated with obesity.ConclusionPrevalence of obesity is very high among male secondary school students in Almethnab town.One-third of students have misperceptions about weight status.

Highlights

  • Obesity is a major risk factor for chronic diseases and a leading cause of premature death

  • Prevalence of obesity is very high among male secondary school students in Almethnab town

  • Obesity prevalence among Saudi adolescents is at an epidemic level

Read more

Summary

Introduction

Obesity is a major risk factor for chronic diseases and a leading cause of premature death. Cardiovascular diseases, some cancers, and musculoskeletal disorders association with obesity are well documented. Global obesity prevalence has been doubled since 1980. Obesity epidemicity makes it one of the most serious modifiable health and economic challenges of the early 21st century [1]. Childhood obesity and raised body mass index (BMI) are associated with a higher chance of adult obesity and chronic diseases [1]. Increasing rates of overweight and obesity among children and adolescents are of particular regional and international concern [1,2,3,4,5]

Methods
Results
Discussion
Conclusion
Full Text
Published version (Free)

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call