Lifestyle has Significant Influence over Obesity among School Children in Bangladesh

Background: Childhood obesity associated with lifestyle changes poses a major public health challenge. Objective: To assess the contributing factors of childhood obesity among school children in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Methods: Overweight and obesity were studied in 504 school children (age: 11.31±1.39, M±SD; M/F: 256/248) using updated body mass index (BMI, kg/m2) reference. Socioeconomic status on basis of family income and life style factors like meals, vehicle-use, sedentary entertainments and outdoor activities were considered. Results: Obesity was higher in children from high socioeconomic class (high vs. middle vs. low socioeconomic status: obese 22.2% vs. 11.8% vs. 3.7%; p<0.001). Meal frequency was statistically similar among BMI groups. About 55% of obese children used vehicle while 79.7% of underweight went by foot (p<0.001). Obesity and overweight were relatively higher among children spending more time in sedentary entertainment [1 hr vs. 2 hr vs. 3 hr vs. 4 hr (obesity and overweight): 11.5% and 8.6% vs. 14.7% and 15.4% vs. 12.8% and 15.4% vs. 22.2% and 5.6%] but not significant (p=0.158). Similarly, no significant difference for BMI between groups spending time with outdoor games for one hour or less or more (p=0.304). BMI positively correlated with socioeconomic condition (r=0.286, p<0.001), sedentary entertainments (r=0.131, p=0.003) and use of vehicles (r=0.122, p=0.006). Socio-economic condition (p=0.007) and use of vehicle in going to school (p=0.005) were found to be independent predictors for obesity. Conclusions: More use of vehicles for going to school and better socioeconomic status seem to be important contributing factors for childhood obesity in Bangladesh.