Abstract

Background: Childhood overweight and obesity is a growing public health problem and reflects the future burden of noncommunicable diseases in a population.

Objective: To determine the prevalence of childhood obesity and overweight in the study sample.

Materials and Methods: A health center-based cross-sectional study was conducted between April 2015 and July 2015. School-age children and adolescents between 5 and 18 years of age were examined. Weight and height were measured by standard methods with light clothing and without shoes. Age was determined from date of birth. Obesity and overweight were defined according to new Indian Academy of Pediatrics 2015 growth references.

Result: Three hundred and three school-age children and adolescents were examined. Body mass index was significantly related to age but not to gender. The boy:girl ratio was 1.03. The overall prevalence of obesity and overweight was 5.0% and 6.6%, respectively. Obesity was highest in the >12–18 years age group. The prevalence of obesity and overweight among boys was not significantly different from girls.

Conclusion: Childhood obesity and overweight is prevalent in the study population.

Key words: Prevalence, overweight, obesity, childhood, adolescence