A Study On Determinants Of Obesity In Children Between 5-15 years of Age

Abstract

Background: Childhood obesity is one of the most serious public health issue. The prevalence of obesity is increasing both in developing and in developed countries. The global prevalence of overweight and obesity in children aged 5 -17 years is 10%, In India it is 22% among children between 5 to 19 years. The key causes of childhood obesity are unhealthy dietary habits and reduced physical activity. The adoption to sedentary lifestyle and unhealthy dietary habits increases the risk of overweight/obesity and non communicable diseases such as insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and metabolic syndrome like dyslipidemia, cardiovascular risks stroke and hypertension. Objective: To assess the  BMI, various factor influencing BMI and to correlate these factors  in children between 5 to 15 years age  irrespective of sex and ethnicity. Methodology: Study included 648 healthy children after fulfilling inclusion criteria ,there socio-demographic information, diet history, history regarding daily physical activity, sedentary behaviour, time spent for recreational activities was taken and there height, weight was recorded and BMI was calculated . By using standardized IAP GROWTH CHARTS children were categorised as underweight, normal, overweight/ obese. Result: Prevalence of overweight was 14% and obesity was 7.3% in children between 5 to 15 years of age. Conclusion: Adolescent age ,children belonging to upper and upper middle socioeconomic status, family history of non-communicable diseases, Calorie intake more than RDA for age, Protein consumption less than RDA for age, consumption of mix  diet (veg + non veg), less consumption of a balanced diet, lack of physical activity were associated with overweight and obesity.