A Study on the Risk Factors of Obesity among School Going Children (9-12 Years) of Chandigarh

Background Lifestyle diseases such as obesity are an outcome of complex interaction between human biology, behaviour and society. It is a serious, chronic disease that can inflict substantial harm to a persons health. Several consequences result from childhood obesity. Overweight and obese children are prone to medical conditions like cardiovascular diseases, asthma, type 2 diabetes, sleep disturbances and many others. Objective This study aims to examine the risk factors of Obesity among the school children (9-12 years) of Chandigarh. Methodology Before conducting the study, initial permission from the school Principals was obtained. Total of 204 subjects were interviewed from 3 different private schools of Chandigarh. A self designed questionnaire was prepared for data collection. The analysis of the data obtained was performed using SPSS software (version 23.0). Result Chi- square value when applied between Asthma and subjects BMI (Body Mass Index), a significant relationship was found with a p- value of 0.003 which shows that Asthma affects the BMI of the subjects. Diabetes Mellitus is another important risk factor associated with childhood obesity. A significant relationship was found (p-value 0.024) which shows that Diabetes Mellitus affects the BMI of the children. Sleep disorder is yet another important risk factor known to affect the children with obesity and the results too showed a highly significant relationship with a p-value of 0.001. Conclusion The present study reveals that the childhood obesity has significant adverse effects on health in childhood so the risk profiles of obesity among school children must be fully considered while planning treatment and prevention programs for childhood obesity. The effects of these physical problems are very serious and are likely to follow an overweight or obese child into adulthood. Thus, there is an urgent need for greater awareness and education of the community on the importance of healthy food habits and lifestyle to prevent overweight/ obesity and its associated ill effects.