Year: 2007
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Introduction: The prevalence of overweight is rising even in countries with significant rates of under-nutrition.This is exacerbated by Westernization of lifestyles and the image of prosperity associated with overweight.Children are not spared and the health consequences may become apparent in the near future.This study assessed the prevalence of overweight among adolescents in an urban city in a developing country.Methodology: This cross-sectional study conducted from January to June 2006 involved 300 adolescents selected by cluster sampling in Benin-City, Nigeria.Overweight and risk of overweight were defined as Body mass index (BMI)-forage 995th percentile and BMI-for-age 85th to G 95th percentile respectively.Results: Of the participants, 5.7% were overweight while 52.7% were at risk of overweight.Risk factors of overweight identified were consumption of snacks (64.3%), soft drinks (85.7%) and physical inactivity (69.7%).Being overweight was significantly associated with consumption of snacks, soft drinks and physical inactivity, (pG0.05).Conclusion: The high prevalence of risk factors for overweight suggests that the already high prevalence of overweight will increase in the near future.Preventive measures need to be put in place to forestall this projected increase.
Source: Journal of Urban Health
Language: English
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $4,790
OpenAlex ID: W4245898347