A study of prevalence of overweight and underweight among girls from different socioeconomic status in Ludhiana (Punjab)

The present study was conducted to assess the prevalence of overweight and underweight amongst girls of age group 10 to16 years studying in private (high income group) and government(low income group) schools of Ludhiana (Punjab) during mid 2007. A total sample of 1,049 children (514 from private schools and 535 from government schools) were covered in the present study. These children were anthropometrically assessed and statistically analyzed for body measurements. Overweight and underweight were assessed with Body Mass Index (BMI) utilizing age and sex specific cut off points. According to NCHS criteria the overall prevalence of underweight, overweight and obesity was found as 7.58%, 26.84% and 9.33% in private school girls and 24.85%, 5.42% and 1.68% in government school students respectively. According to WHO criteria the percentage of underweight, overweight and obesity was found as 6.42%, 28.59% and 7.78% in private school girls and 23.17%, 5.42 %and 0.93% in government school girls. A positive correlation of parental BMI was found on BMI of children suggesting that overweight parents are likely to have overweight children. This study finds that there is a double burden of underweight and overweight in this population.