Assessment of Prevalence of Obesity with associated risk factors among school-going children attending a tertiary care hospital of West Bengal:  A cross-sectional study.

Salma  Pervin; Gauranga  Biswas; Muazzem Kamal  Afrose; Sushama  Sahoo

doi:10.51168/sjhrafrica.v6i12.2191

Authors

Dr. Salma Pervin Post Graduate Trainee, Department of Paediatrics, Malda Medical College, Malda, West Bengal, India.
Dr. Gauranga Biswas Associate Professor, Department of Paediatrics, Malda Medical College, Malda, West Bengal, India.
Dr. Muazzem Kamal Afrose Post Graduate Trainee, Department of Paediatrics, Malda Medical College, Malda, West Bengal, India.
Dr. Sushama Sahoo Professor and Head, Department of Paediatrics, Malda Medical College, Malda, West Bengal, India.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51168/sjhrafrica.v6i12.2191

Keywords:

Childhood obesity, Risk factors, Physical inactivity, Screen time, Dietary habits, School children

Abstract

Background

Childhood obesity is a growing public-health concern, driven by rapid lifestyle transitions and environmental factors. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of obesity and identify associated risk factors among school-going children attending a tertiary care hospital in West Bengal.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 300 children aged 6–12 years at Malda Medical College from July 2023 to June 2024. Anthropometric measurements were obtained, and BMI-for-age was interpreted using WHO and CDC references. Sociodemographic data, dietary habits, physical activity, screen-time patterns, sleep duration, and family history were assessed using a structured questionnaire. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 21.0, applying Chi-square tests with p < 0.05 as significant.

Results

According to the WHO BMI-for-age criteria, 15% of children were obese and 20% overweight; CDC charts classified 14.3% as obese and 17.7% as overweight. The mean age was 9.1 years, with boys comprising 52% of participants. Most children belonged to middle or upper-middle socioeconomic strata. Obesity was significantly higher among boys (19.9%) than girls (10.4%). Inadequate physical activity (<60 minutes/day) and excessive screen time (>2 hours/day) were strongly associated with obesity (p < 0.05). Frequent fast-food intake, upper socioeconomic status, higher skinfold thickness, and positive family history were key contributors. Exclusive breastfeeding for six months showed a protective effect. Common comorbidities observed among obese children included hypothyroidism, fatty liver, hypertension, asthma, and dyslipidaemia.

Conclusion

Childhood obesity in this setting is closely linked to modifiable lifestyle factors, particularly limited physical activity, excessive screen exposure, and high-calorie dietary patterns. Early identification and targeted interventions are essential to prevent long-term metabolic risks.

Recommendations

Strengthening school- and community-based programmes that promote daily physical activity, balanced diets, reduced screen time, and parental involvement is crucial.

Author Biographies

Dr. Salma Pervin, Post Graduate Trainee, Department of Paediatrics, Malda Medical College, Malda, West Bengal, India.

Post Graduate Trainee, Department of Paediatrics, Malda Medical College, Malda, West Bengal, India. Her academic interests include paediatric infectious diseases and neonatal health. ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0009-0004-0946-7405

Dr. Gauranga Biswas, Associate Professor, Department of Paediatrics, Malda Medical College, Malda, West Bengal, India.

Associate Professor, Department of Paediatrics, Malda Medical College, Malda, West Bengal, India. He has extensive teaching and research experience in paediatric medicine with a focus on childhood nutrition and growth disorders. ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0009-0008-7449-1160

Dr. Muazzem Kamal Afrose, Post Graduate Trainee, Department of Paediatrics, Malda Medical College, Malda, West Bengal, India.

Post Graduate Trainee, Department of Paediatrics, Malda Medical College, Malda, West Bengal, India. His research interests include neonatal intensive care and paediatric endocrinology. ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0009-0008-0971-7792

Dr. Sushama Sahoo, Professor and Head, Department of Paediatrics, Malda Medical College, Malda, West Bengal, India.

Associate Professor and Head, Department of Paediatrics, Malda Medical College, Malda, West Bengal, India. She has over two decades of clinical and academic experience in paediatric medicine, with special emphasis on community and preventive paediatrics. District – Malda. ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6216-8189

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