ASSESSMENT OF OBESITY AND ITS ASSOCIATED FACTORS AMONG ADOLESCENT GIRLS IN SELECTED URBAN COMMUNITY, WEST BENGAL

Introduction: Over the world, obesity has spread like wildfire and is now a major public health concern. Obesity in adolescence tends to trace into adulthood and becomes difficult to treat. A child with an increased BMI has a risk of becoming overweight or obese at age 35 and this risk increases with the advancement of age. Aim: This study aims to determine the obesity among adolescent girls and to find out associated factors of obesity among adolescent girls in selected urban communities, West Bengal. Methods: A descriptive survey research was carried out among 1245 adolescents selected through non-probability consecutive sampling technique and from them, 103 obese participants were selected based on BMI values through nonprobability purposive sampling technique. Data was gathered using a validated semi-structured and structured questionnaire. Data were gathered on adolescent's demographic characteristics and BMI and associated factors of obesity. Result: The result revealed that 8.27% of the respondents were obese, 18.96% of the adolescents were overweight, 54.70 % of the respondents had normal weight and 18.07 % of them had thinness. Chi-Square findings revealed that there was significant association seen between the obesity and age of the adolescent girls (p<0.01), educational status (p<0.001), food habit, family income. The findings of the study have significant implications for nursing practice, education, administration, and research. Conclusion: The prevalence of obesity was observed higher in the age group of above 15 years. The findings of this study indicate that to ensure good health now and in the future, adolescents should be taught the value of a balanced diet, regular exercise, and limiting screen time for primary prevention. The youngster of today is the adult of tomorrow in good health.