Authors : Gita Bisla, Archana and Srishti
Abstract: Obesity is one of the most common metabolic and nutritional diseases. The effect of obesity of children has a wide spectrum of adverse effects that can rage from low self-esteem to increased risk of many degenerative diseases. So, present study was conducted in different schools of Dehradun city to find out prevalence of obesity among children (10-12 years) in different schools and its variability according to economical status, eating practices and physical activities. The study was conducted to assess the prevalence of obesity among children (10-12 years of age) from 8 different schools, having students coming from low as well as high economic status families. Selection of schools was done on the basis of their fee structure. The general information about age, sex, parent’s occupation and number of family members with anthropometric measurements like height, weight, waist circumference, hip circumference, MUAC taken and compared with NCHS-3 standards. Calculation of BMI and WHR was also done. Nutrients intake was noted by 24 h dietary recall method. The physical activity pattern was also noted. It was found that there were more percentage of obese and overweight children in affluent class as their energy, protein, carbohydrate and calcium intake was higher. Also, they are less engaged in energy consuming activities. Increasing affluence, over-consumption of calories and reduced physical activity are noted which result in childhood obesity.
Gita Bisla, Archana and Srishti , 2013. Prevalence of Obesity among Children (10-12 Years) of Different Schools of Dehradun City (India). The Social Sciences, 8: 88-93.