PREVALENCE OF OBESITY AND OVERWEIGHT AMONG PUBLIC SCHOOL-GOING CHILDREN AGED 12 – 15 YEARS IN PESHAWAR, PAKISTAN: A CROSS-SECTIONAL DESCRIPTIVE STUDY

Abstract

Background: Childhood overweight and obesity have emerged as critical public health issues globally. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the worldwide prevalence of overweight has more than doubled since 1980, and projections indicate that over 50% of the global population may be overweight or obese by 2035 if preventive measures are not intensified. Pakistan faces a growing double burden of communicable and non‑communicable diseases, and childhood obesity is a rising concern.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from September 2022 to January 2023 among 251 public school children aged 12–15 years in Peshawar, Pakistan. Anthropometric measurements (height, weight) were collected using standardized procedures, and Body Mass Index (BMI) categories were assigned using Asian-Pacific and WHO cut-off values. A structured questionnaire that captured demographic information and relevant lifestyle factors was employed.

Results: Among 251 participants, 61% were male and 39% female. The majority (36.7%) were enrolled in Grade 7. Using BMI cut-offs, 72.5% were normal weight, while 15.1% were overweight and 11.6% obese. Only 0.8% were underweight. Most mothers (66.1%) were illiterate, and 95.6% were housewives. Fathers had higher education levels, with 39.4% holding a bachelor’s degree or above.

Conclusion: Childhood overweight and obesity are becoming increasingly prevalent in Peshawar. School-based health promotion, cultural changes in the schools, and empowering mothers through education may play a crucial role in improving children’s health behaviors. Regular annual physical screening is recommended to prevent progression into adulthood obesity.