Prevalence of obesity and its relation with lifestyle in high school students

Introduction

The number of overweight children and adults is increasing. The dramatic increases in obesity rates that have occurred in the last few decades across almost all population and age groups make prevention of obesity a public health imperative. Over the past decades, the number of young people who are obese has nearly tripled. Approximately, 17.4% of adolescents (aged 12-19) and 18.8 %of children (aged 6- 11) are considered overweight.

Materials & Methods

In the present research, 2000 high school students selected from 14 high school of khoramabad and then were randomly assigned. They were divided into tow groups, fat and non fat, after measuring high and weight according to BMI. Then the lifestyle questionnaire was administered. The first stage of the research contained demographic information and the second part included some questions in the field of dieting, exercise, opposing stress, smoking, and considering safety points.

Results

The results showed that 9.7% of the high school students were overweight and obese showing a significant relation with father's job (P= 0.001), parents' level of education ( P= 0.000) , having breakfast( P=0.000) , and monthly income( P= 0.001)

Conclusion

Weight management program that focuses on lifestyle is successful at promoting changes in dietary behaviors, physical activity, habit smoking, and stress management. Childhood is an important time to develop healthy patterns for life and to prevent weight problems. Obesity needs further investigation and interventional strategies designed to help individuals to manage their weight by improving healthy lifestyle. The program focused on a healthy lifestyle rather than weight loss. Obesity prevention program can be delivered through a variety of channels, especially schools and communities, individual and/ or family behavior change. Moreover, environmental and legal interventions must also occur.

Key words

lifestyle, students, weight loss