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Article Type

Original Study

Abstract

Objective The aim of the work was to assess the prevalence of obesity among children of primary schools in Alexandria governorate. Background Childhood obesity has more than tripled in the past 30 years. The prevalence of obesity among children aged 6-11 years increased from 6.5% in 1980 to 19.6% in 2008. Participants and methods A cross-sectional study was carried out on 3500 Egyptian children to calculate prevalence of overweight and obesity among primary school children at age of 6-12 years living in Alexandria governorate. Four schools from urban areas and two from rural areas including both sexes were selected randomly in this study. They were subjected to physical examination and anthropometric measurements including BMI. Data were expressed in terms of Z-scores using the WHO Z-score cutoff points. Conclusion Pediatric obesity is a prevalent and rapidly increasing problem that poses a serious risk to the health and well-being of the nations«SQ» youths. Overweight and obesity were relatively high among age group 6-12 years. It was more common in female individuals than male individuals. It was more common in urban than rural areas. It was common in private schools than in governmental schools. Children of high socioeconomic level were more obese than other children.

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