Journal of Obesity & Weight Loss Therapy
Open Access

Abstract

Introduction: Obesity is a major public health concern. The objective of this study was to evaluate the risk factors related to overweight and obesity in schools children aged 7 to 11 years. Methods: In this cross sectional study, 908 children were selected by clustered sampling. Body weight and height of children and their mothers were measured and BMI was calculated. 116 obese children (BMI � percentile 85) and the same numbers as a control group (BMI = percentile 15-85) were selected for comparison. Mothers were categorized as normal, overweight and obese based on BMI classification including 18.5-24.9, 25-29.9 and �30, respectively. Physical activity and dietary intake were assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaires and 24 recalls. General questionnaire was used to assess important factors including birth weight, birth length, breast-feeding and time of introduction of complementary food. Results: There were significant differences in parent�s occupation, educational level, SES and history of obesity in family between 2 groups. Our results showed that in obese children, 46% of mothers were obese, but in control group, 10.9% of mothers were obese. Also, our findings indicated that duration of breast-feeding for at least 4 months and introduction of complementary food after the age of 6 months were significantly correlated with obesity. Conclusion: These findings detected the mothers obesity, history of obesity in family, SES, duration of breastfeeding, the time of introduction of complementary food, parent�s age, education level and occupation are crucial factors for school children obesity and could be used to planning preventive strategies to prevent the prevalence of overweight and obesity in future.

Biography

Email: f.amiri58@yahoo.com