Prevalence of obesity and overweight in 12-14-year-old students in Isfahan-Iran

BACKGROUNDChildhood obesity is a worldwide major public health problem in both developed and developing countries. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of obesity and overweight in 12-14-year-old students in the city of Isfahan. METHODSThis study was conducted among 10,531 girls and 2415 boys aged 12-14 years in the city of Isfahan. Percentage of children in the corresponding body mass index (BMI) categories for overweight and obesity (specified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention criteria percentiles) were assessed, based on preventive plan of inactivity in children and youth of Isfahan province. RESULTSFindings revealed that prevalence of overweight in children varied by age from 15.3% to 26.9% in boys and 12.9% to 29.9% in girls, and prevalence of obesity varied from 14.8% to 33.7% and 15% to 29.9% in boys and girls, respectively. Percentile norms for BMI of subjects were computed based on sex categories. CONCLUSIONSTo conclude, results of the study revealed that subjects have approximately the same percentage of overweight/obesity compared to other children have been studied; however, in comparison to previous studies, a higher rate was witnessed in grade 8 boy students. These situations indicate that there are needs to implement some intervention programs, as well as management policies.