Objective: We aimed to investigate the prevalence of obesity
and overweight and their relationship with environmental factors
among children aged 5-10 years in a primary school in an Istanbul
district.
Materials and Methods: The data of this cross-sectional
study were collected from a random selection of 177 students and
their families. Students’ heights and weights were measured in a
standardized way for calculating their body mass index. The World
Health Organization growth reference was used for the definition
of obesity and overweight status.
Results: The prevalence of obesity and overweight was
12.4% and 20.9%, respectively, with no difference between girls
and boys. A significant increase in the percentage of obesity and
overweight was observed with increasing age (p = 0.001). Having
an obese or overweight father (p = 0.001) and a working mother
(p=0.003) were associated with an increase in childhood obesity.
Conclusion: The findings of this study imply that obesity
or overweight among primary school children is associated with
increasing age, having an obese or overweight father and having a
working mother. State organizations, schools, physicians and other
healthcare professionals must work together to encourage children
and their families to adopt healthy lifestyles and to improve their
awareness of obesity
Primary Language | English |
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Subjects | Clinical Sciences |
Journal Section | Original Research |
Authors | |
Publication Date | May 31, 2019 |
Published in Issue | Year 2019 |