Studying the prevalence of obesity among students in Mashhad

Obesity is one of the most health problems in society. Childhood obesity can lead to medical problems in adulthood. Given the increasing prevalence of obesity, we decided to determine its prevalence among students in Mashhad. In this cross-sectional study, five regions (north, south, east, west, and center) of Mashhad were selected, and 20 schools and 1,040 students were selected in a multi-stage, simple random sampling method. The height and weight of the children were measured using a standard measuring instrument in a standing position without shoes with an accuracy of 0.1 cm, and the weight of the children without shoes and additional clothing was measured with a standard digital scale with an accuracy of 0.1 kg, and the body mass index of each individual was recorded. The mean age of the students was 10.6 years with a standard deviation of 0.74 years. Based on the criteria of the CDC, the obesity rate in female students was 65.8%, overweight was 54.16%, normal weight was 25.61%, and thinness was 56.13%. These rates were also calculated based on the WHO criteria, which were 26.8% of obese students, 83.21% overweight, 21.62% normal weight, 87.5% thin, and 83.1% very thin, respectively. Given the high prevalence of overweight and obesity in students and its significant relationship with the level of parental education, urgent measures need to be taken to educate families about proper nutrition, lifestyle changes, and appropriate physical activity.

Studying the prevalence of obesity among students in Mashhad Keywords:

Obesity , Prevalence , Student