Prevalence of obesity and overweight among primary school children in a district of Istanbul, Turkey

Abstract

Objective: We aimed to investigate the prevalence of obesity and overweight and their relationship with environmental factors among children aged 5-10 years at a primary school in an Istanbul district. Materials and Methods: The data of this cross-sectional study were collected from a random selection of 177 students and their families. Students' heights and weights were measured in a standardized way for calculating their body mass index. The World Health Organization growth reference was used for the definition of obesity and overweight status. Results: The prevalence of obesity and overweight was 12.4% and 20.9%, respectively, with no difference between girls and boys. A significant increase in the percentage of obesity and overweight was observed with increasing age (p = 0.001). Having an obese or overweight father (p = 0.001) and a working mother (p=0.003) were associated with an increase in childhood obesity. Conclusion: The findings of this study imply that obesity or overweight among primary school children is associated with increasing age, having an obese or overweight father and having a working mother. State organizations, schools, physicians and other healthcare professionals must work together to encourage children and their families to adopt healthy lifestyles and to improve their awareness of obesity.