Prevalence and Perception of Obesity in Adolescents from Private and Public Schools, Northern Mozambique

Background: Obesity is a worldwide growing non - transmissible chronic disease resulting from abnormal fat accumulation in different tissues, mainly in white adipose tissue. Thus, we determined prevalence of obesity in adolescents and evaluate their perception related to the disease. Material and Methods: Analytical and observational cross - sectional study with quantitative approach was conducted in public and private schools in Nampula. We applied systematic casual sampling technique and screened 317 students. Nutritional status and perception were determined through anthropometric measurements and application of questionnaires, respectively. Results: Overall prevalence of obesity, based on the international sex - specific cut - off points for body mass index (BMI), is 7.3% and overweight, 8.5%. Higher prevalence of obesity (20%) was found in private school and lowest (5%) in one of public schools. Male tended to be more obese (9.5%), while females are more overweight (12%). Overall perception of obesity is 72.6% and physical activity and exercise is 65.3%. Lower perception was registered in private school. Conclusion: Despite perception of obesity and overweight is low, paradoxically overall prevalence of obesity and overweigh is low as well. Thus, lack of perception and mild exercises may be major factors for obesity, but are not solely determinant, implying consideration of factors beyond environmental.