Abstract

According to WHO global estimates from 2008, more than 1.4 billion adults (≥ 20 years) were overweight. Overall, more than one in ten of the world’s adult population was obese. In 2010, more than 40 million children under five were overweight. Objectives: To assess the BMI in school going children and its association with some sociodemographic factors Methodology: The present school based cross section observational study was carried out in Govt & Private schools of Latur district during the period from July 2021 to December 2021 involving 500 high school children of age 12-16 years. The data was analysed using SPSS. Results: Out of 250 boys, majority were from 15-15.9 years age i.e. 29.6%. Out of 250 girls, majority were from 14-14.9 years age i.e. 42%. Majority of the children had normal BMI i.e. 401(80.2%). Prevalence of overweight was 9.8%. Prevalence of obesity was 5%. Educational status of the parents was assessed and we observed that there is no association between childhood obesity and fathers’ education in our study. There is significant association between childhood obesity and overweight with mothers’ education in our study. It is associated with literacy of mother. Conclusion: Prevalence of overweight in our study was 9.8% whereas prevalence of obesity was 5%. We observed significant association between childhood obesity and overweight with mothers’ education.

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