Prevalence of obesity and its risk factors among school children in Karachi, Pakistan. (October 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mansoori, Naveed; Nisar, Nighat; Shahid, Naveen; Mubeen, Syed Muhammad; Ahsan, Shahid
• Is Part Of: Tropical doctor. Volume 48:Number 4(2018)
• Page Start: 266
• Page End: 269
• Publication Date: 2018-10
• Subjects: Obesity -- children -- risk factors; Tropical medicine -- Periodicals; Medical care -- Developing countries -- Periodicals; Developing Countries -- Periodicals; Tropical Medicine -- Periodicals; Tropische geneeskunde; 616.9883
• DOI: 10.1177/0049475518786664
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0049-4755

Abstract

A cross-sectional questionnaire study was conducted during 2012 in private and public-sector schools of Karachi to determine the prevalence and factors influencing overweight and obesity among school children (aged 11–15 years). Sociodemographic characteristics and dietary habits were explored. The CDC Growth Chart was used to record height and weight. Of a total of 887 children, being overweight and frankly obese was found in 169 (19.1%) and 96 (10.8%), respectively. Of these, 176 (66.4%) were from private schools, and significant associations were found in 202 (76.2%) who were spending > 2 h/day watching television and 139 (52.5%) sleeping > 8 h/day.