Prevalence of Obesity Among Adolescents: A Study from Western Maharashtra Assessment of Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Adolescents Regarding Obesity in Private Schools in Western Maharashtra
Keywords:
Prevalence, Obesity, adolescentsAbstract
Introduction: Adolescents who are overweight or obese at an early age face an increased risk of developing non-communicable diseases, including diabetes and cardiovascular disorders. Studies indicate that individuals who were obese during childhood or adolescence have a 50-100% higher chance of developing conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and arthritis later in life
Material and Methods: This school-based, cross-sectional study was conducted over eight months, from February to September 2022, focusing on adolescents in the Satara district of Maharashtra. The study required a sample size of 3383, determined through statistical calculations. A multi-stage cluster sampling method was employed, with eight schools randomly chosen from a total of 24 using a lottery method. After completing the questionnaires, their height and weight were measured and recorded. The primary objective was to assess the prevalence of overweight and obesity. Body Mass Index (BMI) was classified based on WHO guidelines, categorizing participants as ‘underweight,’ ‘normal weight,’ ‘overweight,’ or ‘obese.’
Results: Out of the 3383 samples, 136 individuals (4.02%) were classified as underweight, 2909 individuals (85.99%) fell within the normal weight range, 211 individuals (6.24%) were classified as overweight, and 127 individuals (3.75%) were categorized as obese. The Prevalence of obesity found to be 3.75%.
Conclusion: The study on the prevalence of obesity among adolescents in Western Maharashtra found that 3.75% of the adolescent population were classified as obese. This prevalence highlights the need for continued monitoring and research to understand the factors influencing obesity in this region.
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