DETERMINANTS OF OVERWEIGHT AND OBESITY AMONG SCHOOL-GOING ADOLESCENTS IN BAREILLY, UTTAR PRADESH: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY
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Keywords
Adolescent obesity, BMI, overweight, school-going, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, physical activity, screen time, family history
Abstract
Background: Adolescent obesity has emerged as a major public health challenge in India. Bareilly, a rapidly urbanizing tier-2 city in Uttar Pradesh, lacks comprehensive data on the prevalence and determinants of adolescent obesity. This study was conducted to address this critical evidence gap.
Objectives: To estimate the prevalence of overweight and obesity among school-going adolescents (14–19 years) in Bareilly district and to identify associated sociodemographic, behavioral, and lifestyle determinants.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 600 school-going adolescents selected through two-stage cluster sampling from government and private schools of Bareilly block. Standardized anthropometric measurements (height, weight, waist and hip circumference) were performed and BMI classified using WHO growth reference for age and sex. Sociodemographic, dietary, and lifestyle data were collected using a pre-tested structured questionnaire. Chi-square tests and binary logistic regression were used for statistical analysis.
Results: Among 600 adolescents (54.8% male, 45.0% female; mean age 15.8 years), the overall prevalence of overweight was 8.17% and obesity was 3.00%, with a combined overweight/obesity prevalence of 11.17%. Prevalence was significantly higher among males (13.98%) compared to females (7.78%), and in private school students (14.13%) compared to government school students (8.79%). On multivariable logistic regression, male sex (AOR: 1.99; 95% CI: 1.12–3.63; p=0.02), high screen time (>4 hrs/day: AOR: 3.82; 95% CI: 1.40–11.81; p=0.01), positive family history of obesity (AOR: 3.57; 95% CI: 2.02–6.35; p<0.001), and low physical activity were identified as independent predictors of overweight/obesity. The logistic regression model showed good discriminatory ability (AUC=0.78).
Conclusion: The combined overweight/obesity prevalence of 11.17% among Bareilly adolescents is concerning and consistent with escalating trends in northern India. Male sex, family history of obesity, excessive screen time, and physical inactivity are key modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors. School-based multi-component interventions targeting physical activity promotion, screen time reduction, and dietary counseling are urgently needed.
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Dr. Deepak Yadav
Junior Resident, Department of Community Medicine, Rajshree Medical Research Institute, Bareilly
Dr. Rakesh Kumar
Professor and Head of Department, Department of Community Medicine, Rajshree Medical Research Institute, Bareilly
Dr. Mukul Maheshwar
Assistant Professor, Department of Community Medicine, Rajshree Medical Research Institute, Bareilly, U.P., India.
Dr. Yetnder Singh Patel
Senior Resident, Department of Community Medicine, Rajshree Medical Research Institute, Bareilly, U.P., India.
