A Case Control Study on Risk Factors of Obesity Among Adolescents

Background: Adolescence is the transition period from childhood to adulthood and adolescent obesity can lead to systemic complications affecting the quality of life in later stages. This study aimed to assess the risk factors of obesity among school children of adolescent age. Methods: This Case control study included 110 obese and 110 non-obese adolescents between 10 and 17 years of age. Children with Body Mass Index (BMI) >+2 SD of WHO growth reference median for their age and sex were included as cases. Children with BMI between -2SD and +1SD were included as controls. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed with SPSS software. Results: The risk factors which showed a statistically significant association with adolescent obesity were less educated father and mother, being a single child in the family, adolescents from nuclear type of family, having an obese parent, increased waist hip ratio and lack of exclusive breastfeeding during infancy. Conclusion: Educating children and parents on the importance of preventing obesity and harmful effects of adolescent obesity is the need of the hour. This can be done through intensive health education campaigns in community and schools, and regular reinforcement on primary preventive measures.