Study of the anthropometry and prevalence of overweight in school boys in an Urban Area

Abstract

Context: Overweight and obesity has been found to increase among children over the last few decades. Not only are more children becoming overweight, but they are also becoming so at a relatively younger age. Aims: This study of anthropometry of boys in a school in an urban area calculates the prevalence of overweight and thereafter suggests appropriate measures for improvement in lifestyle. Besides, secondary objectives were to determine the association of overweight and obesity with demographic factors. Settings and Design: A school-based, descriptive, cross-sectional study, in an urban area. Subjects and Methods: A sample size of 1537 was calculated. Anthropometric measurements of the participants were recorded including height, body weight, mid-upper arm circumference, and waist and hip circumference. Status of overweight and obesity was determined using body mass index. A structured questionnaire was used to record the personal particulars and sociocultural factors. Statistical Analysis Used: Data were analyzed using the software Epi Info™ version 7, developed by the Division of Health Informatics and Surveillance of the Centers for Disease Control, Atlanta. Results: Most participants ranged in age from 6 to 15 years, while 17.2% were overweight and 3.7% were found to be obese. Conclusions: As the main causes of excess weight include individual behavior and dietary patterns, children must be exposed and habituated to a healthy lifestyle as a preventive measure.