PREVALENCE OF OBESITY IN AFFLUENT SCHOOL CHILDREN IN MULTAN

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of obesity in affluent school children in Multan. Study design: Cross sectional study Place and Duration of study: Three private schools of Multan selected at random; willing to participate in the study. The study was carried out from 15 May 2015 to 15 November 2015. Results: In our study, 37.58% (n=62) children were between 5-7 years and 62.42% (n=103) were between 8-10 years of age, mean +SD was calculated as 7.79+1.47 years, 73.94% (n=122) were males and 26.06% (n=43) were females. Mean values of basic characteristics of the patients were calculated as 2.14+1.21 as birth order, 33.18+8.25(kg) for weight, 130.15+8.81(cm) and 1.30+0.08(m) for height and 19.40+3.26 (kg/m^2) for BMI. Prevalence of obesity in affluent school children in Multan was calculated as 43.03% (n=71). Conclusion: We concluded that the prevalence of obesity in affluent school children in Multan is very higher. Low physical activity and sedentary lifestyle are potential risk factors for obesity in children which may be modified and persistence of obesity may be avoided.

Keywords

• obesity
• affluent
• sedentary life style
• physical activity
• children