Prevalence and Associated Factors of Overweight and Obesity among Adolescent Girls in Isfahan, Iran: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Overweight and obesity in adolescents are rising public health concerns, particularly in developing countries. This study examined the prevalence and key correlates of overweight/obesity among ۱۲–۱۳-year-old girls in Isfahan, Iran, with emphasis on parental body mass index (BMI), eating speed, dietary patterns, sleep duration, and physical activity. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among ۱,۱۴۰ adolescent girls selected through stratified cluster sampling from ۱۲ middle schools in Isfahan. Data were collected through anthropometric measurements (BMI-for-age) and a structured questionnaire that assessed demographics, dietary habits, physical activity, sleep patterns, and parental BMI. Results: Of the participants, ۲۸.۲۵% were overweight and ۸.۶۸% were obese. Parental BMI showed a strong association: ۴۴.۲% of girls with overweight and ۱۴.۸% with obese parents were also overweight or obese (P<۰.۰۰۱). Obesity was more common among those consuming fast food over three times weekly (۲۳.۱% vs. ۴.۹%, P<۰.۰۰۱), sleeping less than ۷ hours (۱۱.۷%, P<۰.۰۰۱), and eating quickly (۲۱.۴% vs. ۴.۱%, P<۰.۰۰۱). Regression analysis identified fast eating and low parental education as independent predictors. Conclusions: Adolescent obesity is shaped by parental weight, eating behaviors, diet quality, and sleep habits. Family-oriented strategies addressing these factors, combined with school-based health programs, may help reduce prevalence. Future research should explore causal pathways and broader environmental influences.

کلیدواژه ها:

Adolescent obesity ، Overweight ، Eating speed ، Sleep duration ، Parental BMI