OVERWEIGHT AND OBESITY AMONG ADOLESCENTS IN BELLARY CITY CORPORATION

BACKGROUND: Obesity is a complex condition with serious social and psychological dimensions, that affects virtually all age and socioeconomic groups and threatens to overwhelm both developed and developing countries. This problem is increasing in adolescents and various factors contribute to it. METHOD: A cross sectional study was conducted among 8, 9 and 10 standard students of high schools of Bellary city Corporation. The sample size was 792 and the technique adopted is stratified random sampling. Permission from respective authorities of schools was also taken. Data was collected using pre designed and pretested semi structured questionnaire which is self-administered. Body mass index was calculated based on physical measurements such as height and weight using standard methods. RESULTS: The prevalence of overweight and obesity is found to be 19.2%. The prevalence of overweight alone is 12.4% and obesity is 6.8%. Modifiable socio demographic factors are significantly associated with overweight/obesity. CONCLUSION: There is increased prevalence of overweight/obesity among adolescents and many factors associated with it are modifiable.