How participating in the Scientific Olympiad event affected the obesity of Iranian male students

IntroductionObesity is known as a chronic disease with increased body fat reserves. This study was conducted to investigate the obesity status among students participating in the Science Olympiad in different provinces of Iran.MethodsThe present study was a descriptive-analytical study that was conducted on ۹۲ teenage boys who participated in the Scientific Olympiad. Sampling was done by the available and purpose-based methods. Data collection was done through a researcher-made questionnaire including personal information and physical information. Physical data included height, weight, body mass index, body fat percentage, and waist and hip circumference measurements (WHR), which were measured and recorded by a researcher. The results were compared using SPSS۲۰ via descriptive and inferential statistical tests.ResultThe results of the study showed that the majority of participants in the Olympiad were in high school and had participated in the Olympiad for the first time. The average body mass index (BMI) of Olympiad students in the provinces of the country was within the normal range. The results of the body mass index (BMI) and WHR results showed that there was a significant difference between the ۵ separate observation provinces (p=۰.۰۲۸ and p=۰.۰۱۸, respectively). ConclusionThe results of the present study showed that the average body mass index of adolescent boys in eastern Iran is higher than in other provinces. Also, the WHR of boys in the south is higher than in other provinces. Therefore, it seems necessary to pay attention to and prevent obesity in these areas.

Keywords:

Obesity , Overweight , Adolescent