To assess the prevalence of obesity among affluent school children in patiala, punjab and identify its associated risk factors

ORIGINAL ARTICLE

To Assess the Prevalence of Obesity Among Affluent School Children in Patiala, Punjab and Identify its Associated Risk Factors

Poonam Marwah¹, Ashish Marwah², Paramjeet Kaur³.

¹Department of Pediatrics, Grant Medical College, Patiala,
²Grant Medical College for Women, Khanpur Kalan, Sonepat,
³Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Grant Medical College, Patiala, India.

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Abstract
Aim: To assess the prevalence of obesity among affluent school children in Patiala, Punjab and identify its associated risk factors.

Study Design: A cross-sectional study was conducted in five private schools in Patiala, India. A total of 1250 school children in the age group of 6-15 years were selected using stratified random sampling. Weight and height of each student was measured using standard measures and body mass index (BMI) was calculated. A semi-structured questionnaire was filled evaluating risk factors like family history of obesity, intake of high calorie including junk foods, physical inactivity and television and/or computer viewing.

Statistical analysis: Chi-square test.

Results: Overall obesity was seen in 95 (7.6%) children with 61 (9.4%) girls and 34 (5.7%) boys affected (p=0.20). Family history of obesity, intake of high calorie foods, physical inactivity and television or computer viewing for more than 3 hours a day were found to be significant risk factors of obesity (p<0.001 respectively).

Conclusion: Obesity as an emerging health problem among affluent children in Patiala, India due to an increasing sedentary lifestyle and faulty dietary habits.

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