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Subject Area

Family Medicine

Article Type

Original Study

Abstract

Objective This study aimed to assess the prevalence and risk factors of overweight and obesity among adolescents. Background Obesity is a significant public health concern affecting more than half-a-billion people worldwide, with increasing its prevalence among adolescents. Its consequences include hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, coronary-artery diseases, and some cancers. Patients and methods This cross-sectional study included 200 adolescents aged 10–19 years old from two preparatory schools and two secondary schools in Shebin El-kom district (one city and one village selected randomly). Data were collected through a predesigned questionnaire. Participants were evaluated for sociodemographic characteristics, nutritional, family history, and physical activity. The studied participants were categorized (normal, overweight, and obese) according to BMI. Results Out of 200 adolescents recruited in this study 31.5% were overweight and obese. There was a statistically significant relation between adolescents' BMI, sex, residence, practicing sports, eating fast food and dessert, and family history of obesity. The most significant factor predicting overweight and obesity among adolescents was family history of obesity [odds ratio (OR): 5.2, confidence interval (CI): 1.9–15.6] followed by eating sugary/creamy dessert [OR: 4.8 (CI: 2.3–10.2)] followed by female sex [OR: 3.1 (CI: 1.6–6.1)]. The most protective factor was practicing any kind of sport [OR: 0.4 (CI: 0.2–0.9)]. Conclusions Overweight and obesity are prevalent problems among adolescents, parents' obesity, female sex, urban residence, dietary habits, and physical activity are the most predicting factors.

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