Prevalence of obesity and overweight amongst adolescents in rural and urban areas of Rajasthan India
Journal Title: International Journal of Medical and Health Research - Year 2017, Vol 3, Issue 9
Abstract
Background: Overweight and obesity is a global problem affecting millions of adolescents in developed as well as developing world. This is not only associated with predisposition to chronic systemic illnesses like diabetes and hypertension but psychosocial problems like poor body image and detrimental consequences for self-esteem in adolescents. The greater concern is that the risks of obesity during adolescence will persist into adulthood. With economic development in developing world the problem of overweight and obesity seems to be taking a global proportion. The worldwide prevalence of adolescence obesity and overweight is growing at a worrisome pace. India and other countries undergoing economic transition is predisposed for even a higher incidence of adolescents having over-weight and obesity which will predispose them to insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes mellitus and hypertension with their consequences. Acquiring these medical problems in adolescence means there will be greater chances of developing chronic kidney disease, ischemic heart disease and end organ damage. Therefore it is of utmost importance to understand and check the rising menace of obesity and overweight amongst adolescents. In this context, we conducted a study to estimate the prevalence of overweight and obesity in rural and urban adolescent students of Rajasthan India. Aims and Objectives: (1) To find out the prevalence of obesity and overweight amongst adolescent children in urban and rural area in Rajasthan (2) To find out the factors contributing to overweight/obesity. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in two high schools one in urban private and one in rural population in Rajasthan Bikaner, India. A total of 220 adolescents in the age group of 16-19 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 used to evaluate risk factors like family history of obesity, intake of high calorie and junk foods, physical inactivity and use of computers and televisions. Results: 220 adolescents were included in this study. Out of this 32 (12 boys, 20 girls) children were found to be either overweight or obese. Mean age was 17.6 years. Mean weight was found to be 52.3 kg. A statistically significant higher prevalence of overweight and obesity was found among subjects having family history of obesity, intake of high calorie foods, physical inactivity and television or computer viewing for more than 3 hours a day. Conclusion: This study shows that the prevalence of overweight and obesity is an emerging problem of adolescent in this study area which shows comparable trends with other parts of the country. Passive school transport, high caloric and junk food, excessive use of computers and television were found to be independent predictors for being overweight and obesity.
Authors and Affiliations
Dr. Manju Lata Sharma, Dr. Ajay Kumar Sharma
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP586955
- DOI -
- Views 158
- Downloads 0
Cutting edge in T.B. Research
TB is ancient disease. 50 million people are suffering from TB.10 Million people with positive sputum. 5, 00,000 deaths /every year. It is Gram positive Non Motile, non-sporing acid fast bacilli it spreads by cough, laug...
Prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among dentists in Qassim region, Saudi Arabia
Background: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) are one of the main work related health hazards affecting dental practitioners. Objective: to determine the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorder in dentists in Qassim region...
Australian medical student’s perceptions of orthopaedic surgery: Factors influencing the pursuit of orthopaedic training
Introduction: Previous research has shown that myriad factors determine medical students' choice of career path. Exposure to surgical specialties is beneficial to medical students, no matter their eventual area of specia...
Risk factors associated to the death of tubercular patients in treatment in five tuberculosis care centers in northern Cote d'ivoire
The objective of this survey was to identify the risk factors for the death of tubercular patients. This was a longitudinal study which took place between January 1st, 2013 and June 30th, 2014. The tubercular patients in...
Chiari I malformation presented post craniocervical trauma: A case report
Introduction: Chiari type I malformation, is a neuro-anatomical variation due to caudal herniation of the cerebellar tonsils through the foramen magnum and into the cervical spinal canal. It’s a complication rarely prese...