Study to Evaluate the Risk Factors of Overweight and Obesity among Higher Secondary School Children in Muzaffarpur, Bihar

Background: Overweight and obesity are risk factors for diet-related non-communicable diseases. These diseases are the fifth leading risks for global deaths. Virtually, all age groups are affected bythe consequences of overweight and obesity. Aims and Objectives: This study was undertakento evaluate risk factors of overweight and obesity among higher secondary school adolescents. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 492 school adolescents of the government sector six higher secondary schools in Muzaffarpur. This study measured height, weight and plotted Body mass Index on CDC (Child Development Centre) charts. Factors affecting obesity like physical and sedentary activities (using Bharathy et al. questionnaire) and school-based risk factors were also studied. Results: Based of measurements taken risk factors for overweight and obesity in 492 higher secondary school students, the estimated provincial prevalence of overweight was found to be 9.7%, obesity 3%, and malnutrition 18% respectively. Students involved in household chores for 4 hours or more a week were associated with a decreased risk of overweight (OR 3.97, 95% CI 1.41-11.03) and those with less activity were at increased risk for obesity (OR 6.59, 95% CI 1.83-21.19). Conclusion: The problems of overweight and obesity are taking place while students are still at the risk of underweight. Several factors were correlated with overweight and obesity. Therefore, interventions targeting gender, frequency of eating food out of home, vigorous activities, and frequency of doing the vigorous physical activity are recommended.