Incidence and risk factors of obesity: A focus on physical activity and dietary patterns

Kalpita  Sahoo; Bhagyashree  Mohapatra; Suddamalla  Maneesha; Payal  Pradhan; A.P. Tapaswini

doi:10.51168/sjhrafrica.v5i9.1378

Authors

Kalpita Sahoo Assistant Professor, Department of Paediatric and Neonatology, IMS and SUM Hospital, Bhubaneswar, India
Bhagyashree Mohapatra Assistant Professor, Department of Neonatology, IMS and SUM Hospital, Bhubaneswar, India
Suddamalla Maneesha MD Paediatrics, Department of Neonatology, IMS and SUM Hospital, Bhubaneswar, India
Payal Pradhan Assistant Professor, Department of Paediatrics, IMS and SUM Hospital, Bhubaneswar, India
A.P. Tapaswini Senior Resident, Department of Paediatrics, SCB Medical College, Cuttack, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51168/sjhrafrica.v5i9.1378

Keywords:

Obesity, Adolescents, Anemia, IQ, Acne, Vision abnormalities

Abstract

Background: Obesity among adolescents has become a growing public health concern, particularly as lifestyle and dietary habits evolve. In addition to being influenced by socio-cultural, environmental, and economic factors, eating habits and physical activity levels have a significant impact on teenagers' nutritional health. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of obesity, along with other associated health factors.

Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted between November 2015 and October 2017 in urban and rural schools in and around Bhubaneswar. A total of 641 students aged 10-19 were included. BMI, haemoglobin levels, IQ, acne prevalence, and vision acuity were measured using standardized tools. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20.0, and Chi-square tests were employed to determine statistical significance.

Results: The study found higher rates of undernutrition and anaemia among rural students, with 22.37% being underweight and 66.4% having moderate anaemia. In contrast, urban students were more likely to be overweight (19.36%). IQ levels were significantly lower in rural students, with 60.68% falling into the borderline IQ category compared to 23.12% in urban students. Additionally, rural students exhibited a higher prevalence of acne (73.6%) and vision abnormalities (55.3%).

Conclusion: Rural adolescents face greater challenges related to undernutrition, anaemia, cognitive development, and vision care, while urban students are more prone to obesity. Public health interventions are needed to address these disparities and improve overall health outcomes among adolescents in urban and rural settings.