Lifestyle Practices and Knowledge on Prevention and Control of Overweight and Obesity among Adolescents: A Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: Adolescent obesity is a major public health challenge and it is a growing epidemic. Change in diet and physical inactivity are the key factors affecting weight among adolescents. Due to this, the prevalence of non communicable diseases and their risk factors are alarmingly high among them. To tackle this issue, early identification and effective health promotion strategies at a young age need to be adopted. Hence, there is a need for understanding the current trend in overweight and obesity among growing adolescents. Aim: To identify the lifestyle practices and to determine knowledge on prevention and control of overweight and obesity among overweight and obese adolescents in selected urban high schools at Mangaluru, Dakshina Kannada (D.K.), India. Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among adolescents at selected urban high schools of Mangaluru, D K, India. A sample of 360 adolescents were screened to identify the occurrence of overweight and obesity. Body Mass Index (BMI) was computed using the formula, BMI=weight (Kg)/ height (m(2)). A total of 65 overweight and obese adolescents were assessed for lifestyle practices and level of knowledge on prevention and control of overweight and obesity Demographic proforma, a structured knowledge questionnaire, and a self-report lifestyle practice rating scale were used to collect data. Results: The occurrence of overweight and obesity among adolescents was 18%. According to their BMI status, 9.7% of adolescents were overweight and 8.3% of them were obese. Self-reported lifestyle practice scores depicted that most (86.2%) the overweight and obese adolescents follow unhealthy lifestyle practices. Majority (66.1%) of the adolescents had only average knowledge on prevention and control of overweight and obesity Conclusion: Though a maximum number of adolescents had average knowledge on prevention and control of overweight and obesity, unhealthy lifestyle practices are major risk factors for overweight and obesity among growing adolescents. Overweight and obese adolescents should strictly follow healthy lifestyle practices.