Increasing level of overweight and obesity among adolescent school girls: A randomized trial

Abstract

Worldwide, obesity trends are causing serious public health concern in adolescent girls. The aim of the study was to know the prevalence of obesity among adolescent school girls (15-17 yrs). Cross-sectional study was carried out over a period of four months on 400 girls of age 15-17 years adolescent girls from five girls of school of Patna. Samples were selected by purposive sampling. Data were collected by using predesigned, pre-tested, semi-structured interview schedule. Anthropometric measurements were recorded using standardized methodology as recommended by World Health Organization. Overall 23 per cent of adolescent girls were above the normal Body Mass Index (BMI) (overweight-12.25% and obese-10.75%). Main factors which was responsible for prevalence of obesity among adolescent girls were long duration exposure to TV, android phone and computer, sedentary life style, and poor quality of diet that is rich in junk foods, processed foods, chocolates and cold drinks etc.