Obesity and related factors in 7-12 year-old elementary school students during 2009-2010 in Sari, Iran

Aim To define the prevalence of obesity and its related factors in 2-7 year-old elementary school students in Sari city (Mazandaran, Iran). Methods In this descriptive cross sectional study, which was conducted in the 2009-2010 period, the study population included7-12 year-old first to fifth grade elementary school students in Sari. Sampling was multi-stage and stratified randomization at level of the target students. Student’s height and weight were measured using stediometer and digital scales. Body Mass Index (BMI) was calculated. A questionnaire about feeding habits and socio-economic status(SES) of families was used. Data collection was performed using phone interview with parents also the questionnaire’s records. Analysis was done in SPSS16 using appropriate statistical tests, p<0.05 was considered as significant. Results Of 653 students, 297 (45.5%) were male, 177 (27.4%) children were overweight (BMI>85%) and 78 (12% ) were obese (BMI> 95%). Higher prevalence of obesity in the children with good socio economic status was found (p=0.001). Significant relationship between usage of fast food and obesity, and between school grade and obesity (p= 0.001) was found. Conclusion The overall prevalence of obesity in studied children was high, which suggests the need for serious attention in the health system, extensive studies, also designing and implementation of interventions with regard to childhood obesity.