Assessment Of Prevalence Of Obesity Among School Children Of Age Group 5-12 Years Of Bangalore

Abstract

Background: Overweight and obese are the terms used to describe body weight in excess of what is considered healthy for a particular
height The present study was conducted to assess prevalence of obesity among school children of age group 5-12 years of Bangalore.
Materials & Methods: 130 school children of age group 5-12 years of both genders were enrolled. Weight (kg) and height (cm) of each
child and BMI was calculated as weight (kg)/ height 2 (m2). Children were categorized into three groups: obese (>95th percentile),
overweight (≥85th percentile) and normal (5th percentile) using age- and sex specific percentiles of BMI.
Results: Out of 130 children, boys were 70 and females were 60. There were 15% underweight, 70% normal, 8% overweight and 7%
obese boys. Girls were 11% underweight, 76% normal, 6.5% overweight and 4.5% obese. The difference was significant (P< 0.05).
Maximum overweight was seen in age group 9-10 years and obese in age group 9-10 years.
Conclusion: Maximum overweight and obese children were seen in age group 9-10 years.