ASSESSMENT OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND BODY MASS INDEX AMONG SCHOOL TEACHERS OF YASUJ CITY, IRAN, 2018.

Background and Aim: low level of physical activity causes fat deposition in body, increase of body weight, obesity and as a result, duplication the risk of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes type 2. Considering teachers as positive role models for students, this study aims to assess the physical activity and body mass index of teachers of Yasuj city.Methods: this study involved 372 teachers of 15 girl schools and 15 boy schools which were randomly selected. The level of physical activity was estimated using Baecke questionnaire and their height and weight were measured by standard scale and tape measure. Then their body mass index was calculated via formula.Results: prevalence of low physical activity was 84,9 % (93.8% of women and 76.8 % of men) and prevalence of overweight and obesity were 45.4 % and 15.6 % respectively. Physical activity and body mass index both differ between female and male teachers. Among sub-indexes of total Physical activity index including work, sport and leisure time indexes, only sport and leisure time indexes were significantly different among women and men. Physical activity and body mass index, were not related to age, education level, school education level and work shift significantly.Conclusion: physical activity of teachers of Yasuj city especially female teachers was very low and regarding high prevalence of overweight and obesity among them, they would be at a higher risk for cardiovascular diseases, diabetes type 2 and cancer.

Keywords:

obesity , overweight , physical activity