A study of prevalence of obesity among adolescent students and its correlation with risk factors in Udaipur city, Rajasthan, India

Abstract

Background: The present study was aimed to determine the prevalence of obesity among adolescent students (11-17 years) and to study the correlation between the behaviors related eating, sedentary activities, dietary pattern and physical activities and obesity.Methods: The study was conducted among1007 students as a case control study. Prevalence of obesity was calculated using centres for disease control and prevention (CDC) growth chart. Risk factors for obesity were assessed by using questionnaires which include 18 questions in four broad categories. And association of risk factors and obesity has been analysed by using multivariate logistic regression model.Results: A total of 1007 school going adolescents were included in present study, out of this 50.94% were boys and 49.06% were girls. The prevalence of obesity in present study population was 4.27%. Prevalence of obesity was more among boys than girls. (53.49% vs 46.51%). On multivariate logistic regression factors V5, V6, V8, V10, V12, V13, and V14 are associated with obesity and risk factors V3, V4, V7, V11 are not associated with obesity, factors V15, V16, V17, V18 are associated with onset of adolescent obesity.Conclusions: Adolescent obesity is a major health problem in Udaipur, Rajasthan and it requires timely intervention to prevent the complication and co morbidities.