Prevalence of Overweight and Obesity among Middle School Children in Minjur Block, Thiruvallur District–Tamil Nadu

Jaya Priya.C; Yamuna Devi.R

Volume : VIII, Issue : IV, April - 2019

Prevalence of Overweight and Obesity among Middle School Children in Minjur Block, Thiruvallur District–Tamil Nadu

Jaya Priya. C, Yamuna Devi. R

Abstract :

The high prevalence of obesity in adolescents is a serious public health concern. Lack of physical activity and unhealthy eating habits leads to obesity. Hence this study had been undertaken to estimate the prevalence of overweight and obesity and associated factors among middle school children. A cross sectional study of 365 randomly selected school children from 4 middle schools in Minjur block, using attendance register as sampling frame, was done during June to September 2017. Data collected using pretested questionnaire and anthropometric measurements were taken. There were 188 males and 177 females. Overall prevalence of obesity was 13% and overweight 12%. Factors significantly associated with overweight and obesity were taking junk foods, eating while watching television, not taking fruits and vegetables and lack of physical activity. Health education regarding good dietary habits should be imparted to prevent them from entering into the pool of obesity.