Abstract

PREVALENCE OF OBESITY AND ITS LIFESTYLE RISK FACTORS IN SCHOOL-AGE CHILDREN IN JAIPUR

Shakshee Pareek*

ABSTRACT

Changing lifestyle factors is leading to an increased incidence of overweight and obesity in children and adolescents which leads to continued risk during the adulthood predisposing to an array of diseases and disorders. To determine the prevalence of obesity and its association with various life style factors in its causation. Cross-sectional study involving randomly selected 580 students in five affluent schools of Jaipur. The data collection was done through a predesigned and pretested questionnaire. Prevalence of obesity was high in girls. Overall prevalence among girls and boys was 6.57% and 5.11% respectively. Life style factors (dietary habits) increases the risk of obesity. Obesity is an emerging health problem in school-age children belonging to affluent families in Jaipur. The lifestyle factors have shown to be one of the important determinants of obesity.

Keywords: obesity, overweight, prevalence, lifestyle.