Abstract

Background: The prevalence of obesity is increasing with the changing lifestyle of families over the past few years.

Objectives: To study the prevalence and review specific parameters contributing to obesity in schoolgoing adolescents.

Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out among purposively selected schools of different socioeconomic strata in Surat city after taking their due permission. A predesigned, semi-structured questionnaire was administered to the students in the 14–16 years age group and filled under supervision. Data were collected from 1079 school adolescents within 8 months, from January 2013 to August 2013. Physical parameters such as height, weight, and waist and hip circumference were measured. Analysis was carried out using Epi Info 6 and appropriate statistical tests (proportions, 2-test) were applied.

Results: Overall prevalence of overweight and obesity was 10.2% and 6%, respectively. The prevalence of overweight and obesity was 12.4% and 8.2% in boys whereas it was 7.2% and 2.7% in girls. The majority of overweight (17.7%) and obese students (11.2%) were from upper income group (UIG) schools compared to lower income group (LIG) schools in which 7.4% students were found to be overweight and 4.2% were found to be obese, and middle income group (MIG) school in which 6.3% students were overweight and 3% were obese. This difference in body mass index (BMI) among three groups was statistically significant (p < 0.00). More cases of overweight and obesity were found in students whose parents had higher level of education (p < 0.00). Association was found between parents’ occupation and BMI (p < 0.05). Obesity (7.2%) and overweight (12.5%) were seen more in children using vehicular transport for going to school.

Conclusion: Prevalence of overweight and obesity was more in students in UIG as compared to MIG and LIG schools. A significant association was found between parents’ education, occupation, mode of transportation to school, and BMI. Awareness generation regarding lifestyle-related diseases prevalent among the adolescents and parents is need of the hour.

Key words: Prevalence, obesity, adolescent, schoolgoing