PREVALENCE AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS OF OBESITY AMONG CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS

Abstract

Background: Childhood obesity has emerged as a major public health challenge worldwide, affecting both developed and developing countries.

Objective: To determine the prevalence of obesity and associated risk factors among children and adolescents presenting to the pediatric outpatient department of Sheikh Zayed Hospital, Rahim Yar Khan.

Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2024 to April 2025, in the Department of Pediatric Medicine, Sheikh Zayed Hospital, Rahim Yar Khan. A total of 159 children aged 5–15 years were enrolled using non-probability consecutive sampling. Obesity was defined as BMI ≥95th percentile for age and sex according to WHO reference charts. Data regarding demographic characteristics, exclusive breastfeeding, physical activity, screen time, junk food consumption, family history of obesity, socioeconomic status, and timing of last meal before bedtime were collected using a structured proforma.

Results: Out of 159 participants, a considerable proportion were found to be obese. Obesity was significantly associated with increased screen time (>2 hours/day), lack of physical activity, frequent consumption of junk food, positive family history of obesity, non-exclusive breastfeeding, higher socioeconomic status, and shorter interval (≤2 hours) between last meal and bedtime (p≤0.05). Conclusion: Childhood obesity is prevalent in our local setting and is strongly associated with modifiable lifestyle and behavioral factors. Early identification and targeted interventions involving parents, teachers, and healthcare providers are essential to curb the growing burden of childhood obesity and its complications.