Abstract

Background: Excessive energy intake and reduced physical activity are worldwide accepted contributing factors for childhood obesity.

Aims and Objective: The objective of this study was to study the prevalence of childhood obesity.

Materials and Methods: A total of 50 healthy children between the age group of 10 and 15 years were selected from private schools in Kurnool city. Schools were selected based on simple random sampling method. The height was measured using stadiometer with an accuracy of 0. 1 mm. Weight was recorded using a weighing machine, calibrated to 0.5 kg accuracy. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated based on the formula. Children were categorized based on BMI as per the NCHS guidelines with respect to their age and sex. 25 children with BMI 95th% for their corresponding age and sex were considered as obese. 15 male children and 10 female children students of both obese group and control group are considered in the present study for better correlation.

Results: The average height, weight, and BMI of obese children are highly significant when compared to the normal children in the present study. Significantly higher values of average height, weight, and BMI of obese children of the ages of 10–11, 12–13, and 14–15 years were more when compared to the normal children of same age group were noted.

Conclusion: Health campaigns in schools to assess schoolchildren height, weight, and BMI to checkout childhood obesity for better prospective of child health.

Key words: Body Mass Index; Height; Obesity; Weight