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 ۲۰ schools and ۱,۰۴۰ 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 ۰.۱ cm, and the weight of the children without shoes and additional clothing was measured with a standard digital scale with an accuracy of ۰.۱ kg, and the body mass index of each individual was recorded. The mean age of the students was ۱۰.۶ years with a standard deviation of ۰.۷۴ years. Based on the criteria of the CDC, the obesity rate in female students was ۶۵.۸%, overweight was ۵۴.۱۶%, normal weight was ۲۵.۶۱%, and thinness was ۵۶.۱۳%. These rates were also calculated based on the WHO criteria, which were ۲۶.۸% of obese students, ۸۳.۲۱% overweight, ۲۱.۶۲% normal weight, ۸۷.۵% thin, and ۸۳.۱% 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.

کلیدواژه ها:

Obesity ، Prevalence ، Student