| Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5671443 | Clinical Epidemiology and Global Health | 2016 | 7 Pages |
BackgroundThe increasing prevalence of overweight and obesity among adolescents is a public health concern. Increase in prevalence and severity of obesity among children and adolescents has been attributed largely to behavioral factors.Objectives(1) To assess the prevalence of overweight and obesity among the early adolescents studying in the schools of Dibrugarh town. (2) To assess the association of dietary habits and physical activities of the study participants with overweight and obesity.MethodsSchool-based cross-sectional study was done among 800 adolescents (10-14 years). Weight status was assessed using WHO-2007 reference for body mass index. For diet, food frequency method was used. Physical activity questions were according to Global Physical Activity Questionnaire. Chi-square test, Fisher's test, and odds ratio were used to analyze associations.ResultsOf the total adolescents, 46% were girls. Prevalence of overweight and obesity was 22.5% and 9.7% respectively and was more in girls (p < 0.05) and younger age (p < 0.05). Less frequency of major meals, extra snacks, irregular food habit, breakfast skipping, and increased restaurant visits were associated with increase in overweight/obesity (p < 0.05). Obesity was more in adolescents who never took green vegetables (OR = 1.9, p < 0.05) and fruits (OR = 5.9, p < 0.05) and with daily intake of soft drinks (OR = 2.2, p = 0.002), bakery products (OR = 2.6, p < 0.0001), chocolate (OR = 3.5, p < 0.0001), and deep fried foods (OR = 2.9, p = 0.0001). 26.6% adolescents were leading sedentary life. Decreased involvement in physical activity was associated with overweight and obesity (p < 0.0001).ConclusionPrevalence of overweight/obesity in adolescents is substantial. Dietary behavior and physical activity significantly affect weight of adolescents.
