Prevalence of Double Burden of Malnutrition and Associated Factors of Weight Gain among Schoolchildren in Taza, Eastern Morocco

Background: Obesity and overweight are characterized by an excessive accumulation of fat present in the body. Worldwide more than 340 million children between the ages of five and nineteen were overweight or obese in 2016. Very few studies have focused on the prevalence of the double burden of malnutrition, namely obesity, and underweight, in the Moroccan context. Methods: The research was a cross-sectional study based on a selfadministered questionnaire which distributed to 462 adolescents in the presence of a dietician who was also responsible for anthropometric measurements and clinical examination. Results: The prevalence of underweight was 11.4%, overweight was estimated at 7.3%, and obesity at 1.7%. The Odds ratio analysis revealed that the number of people sharing the same household has a strong influence on weight gain, as adolescents who share their home with only 2 people are 61 times more likely to gain weight than adolescents who live with 3 or more people in the same household (OR 61.11 CI 18.96;196.97). Type of residence was also found to be a risk factor for weight gain; adolescents living in urban areas were 6 times more likely to gain weight than those living in rural areas (OR= 6.11 CI: 1.39; 26.82). Adolescents who do not consume fast food are less likely to gain weight (Odds Ration less than 1 (OR=0.014 CI: 0.003;0.063). Regular strenuous physical activity was also a protective factor against weight gain (OR=0.278 CI: 0.080;0.969). Conclusion: The double burden of malnutrition characterized by the coexistence of obesity and underweight is a reality in Taza. It is therefore urgent to take community action, such as promoting healthy food choices by taxing unhealthy foods, implementing obligatory standards for meals in canteens and school catering, increasing daily physical activity in schools, as well as fighting against obesogenic environments. Early intervention is necessary because moderate overweight in childhood is associated with a significant increase in the risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease in later adulthood.