Comparing the obesity risk factors in obese and normal children of Birjand 2006

ABSTRACT

The prevalence of obesity is increasing in both developed and developing countries. Obesity in children is associated with disorders such as depression, social isolation, apnea. The aim of the present study was to compare the obesity risk factors in obese and normal children of Birjand 2006. In this case-control study, thirty five 11-12 years-old students of Birjand schools were selected by two-stage cluster sampling with BMI >/= 25 as case group. The students at the same age and sex with BMI<25 were surveyed as control group; the height was measured using a Seka stadiometer to the nearest 0.1 cm. The weight was measured using a digital scale to the nearest 0.1 kg. The parents BMI was estimated according to the self report about their height, and other data were collected by asking the students mothers. Out of 70 children, 35 were girls and 35 boys, 20% of the girls and 11.4% of the boys were obese. The relationship of the children's BMI with the type of nutrition during infancy, parents job, parents education, the rate of mobility and hours of watching T.V was significant [p<0.05]. Likewise, the difference of mothers mean age during pregnancy and the parents BMI was significant. The children's obesity odd ratio with the fathers obesity was [95% CI=2.10-4.07], with the mothers obesity [95% CI=3.28-6.64] and with both parents obesity [95%CI=6.55-21.06]. Since obesity risk factors in childhood continue to exist until older ages and the most suitable time to identify and prevent them is during childhood, therefore, the necessity of control and prevention of obesity is apparent, and any type of planning in this field should be designed with regards to obesity risk factors and requires comprehensive education in school and the community