SOCIAL DETERMINANTS OF OBESITY & OVERWEIGHT IN ADOLESCENCE

Background and Aim: The prevalence of obesity is increasing globally, with nearly half a billion of the world s population now considered to be overweight or obese. The obesity epidemic is related to dietary factors and to an increasingly sedentary lifestyle, biological factors, individual, social, economic factors, cultural and environmental factors and nutritional habits. So, this study aimed to determine the social risk factors of overweight and obesity to make proper intervention.Methods: The study was cross- sectional and 210 students of first grade high schools of Tabriz were selected by random sampling .The group was tested by standard questionnaire and self-reported meal pattern and healthy behaviors .data was analyzed by SPSS .Results: The results showed , there was significant correlation between body Mass Index with family size, parental education , job, kind of house and family income ( p<0/001).There was significant inverse correlation between having breakfast and obesity ( p< 0.01). ). Breakfast consumption was associated with greater physical activity vs. those who never consumed breakfast.Conclusion: : Overweight and obesity in case study students were related to individual and external factors. Of these factors, we can mention factors such as birth rank, family size and parental education. Our findings also emphasize the need for effective prevention of this increasingly prevalent condition.

Keywords:

Overweight , Obesity , Social determinants , adolescence