Factors Affecting Obesity Among Teenager Students of Government School, Dharan

Abstract

Research Title: "Factors Affecting Obesity Among Teenagers of Government School Of Dharan." Background: Obesity is a medical condition in which excess body fat has accumulated to the extent that it may have a negative effect on health, leading to reduced life expectancy. Obesity has become a serious public health because of its strong association with adulthood obesity and its related consequences. (Ramachandra & Snehalatha, 2010). Objectives: To identify the factors affecting obesity among teenager students and to assess the eating habits, physical activities related factors and its association between obesity status. Methodology: Descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in Shree Sahid Smriti Madhyamik Vidhyalaya, Dharan-8.Sample size of 50 and purposively selected the school, then selected the respondents from class 9 and 10 by simple random sampling method. Anthropometric measurement of height and weight and semi structured self administered questionnaire was used. Results: The study revealed the prevalence of obesity among the respondents was overweight 50% and 6% were obese. Majority of the respondents were of age 15.Seventy four percent of the respondents were of first and second child in the family. Less than half (36%) of the respondents father had completed primary and secondary level while 48% were illiterate mothers and almost equal of the respondents’ father were engaged in service (36%) and business (34%) while half (50%) of mother were engaged in business. There was significant association between consumption of fast foods, activities done during leisure time and obesity status of value P<0.01.There was no significant association between consumption of carbohydrates, fat foods, vitamins, drinks, vigorous physical activities, moderate physical activities and obesity status. Conclusion: The large potential for obesity are alarming among teenagers. Obese and overweight students need to be monitored closely. The common method of avoiding obesity such as awareness on promoting healthy food and physical activities should be focused.