AN INVESTIGATION OF PREVALENCE OF OBESITY AND ITS RELATED DEMOGRAPHIC FACTORS IN STUDENTS AGED 12-16 YEARS OLD IN AHVAZ IN 2017

Introduction: Considering the prevalence of obesity among children and adolescents as a serious problem in societies, especially in developed countries, based on the research, various factors affect the prevalence of obesity. Recognizing these factors which can help control obesity in communities is of grave importance. Therefore, the present study was conducted to determine the prevalence of obesity and its related demographic factors in students aged 12-16 years old in Ahwaz in 2017. Methodology: In order to conduct this descriptive cross-sectional study, 239 students aged 12-16 years old from middle schools of district 4 of Ahwaz were selected using cluster sampling. Their height and weight was measured using standard methods and BMI percentile was calculated based on CDC 2000 reference. A questionnaire consisting demographic data of the students was completed for each of them. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 16, one-way ANOVA, t-test and Pearson correlation coefficient. Findings: The prevalence of obesity and overweight was 18.8% and 22.2%, respectively. The prevalence of obesity and overweight among males was 25.6% and 17.4%, respectively and among females 11.9% and 27.1% respectively. The mean BMI for the total population (22.4±41.95) was estimated. There was a significant statistical difference between the mean weight and height of male and female students (05/0>P). Also, there was a significant statistical relationship between father's occupation and weight and BMI of the students (05/0>P). Results: The results showed that the prevalence of obesity and overweight among middle school students in Ahwaz is relatively high and therefore, as a major health concern, in order to control obesity and overweight, schools and students' parents should be provided with educational interventions and health care plans. Key words: Obesity, BMI, Ahwaz.