Level of physical activity and obesity among the adolescent school children in Bhaktapur: A cross-sectional pilot study

Authors

  • Nayan Kamal Sainju Kathmandu Medical College Teaching Hospital Sinamangal, Kathmandu
  • Naresh Manandhar Department of Community Medicine, Kathmandu Medical College
  • Anira Vaidya National Academy of Medical Science, Bir Hospital
  • Sunil Kumar Joshi Department of Community Medicine, Kathmandu Medical College, Kathmandu

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3126/jkmc.v5i2.18411

Keywords:

Adolescent, Body mass index, Obesity, Physical activity

Abstract

Background: Physical activity is crucial for overall health and well-being of an individual. As childhood obesity has emerged as a serious public health concern, physical activity is a proven tool for prevention and treatment of this type of obesity. As lifestyle and behavior pattern is formed at the adolescence age, it is essential that healthy lifestyle and good food habit should start at this age. Hence, we aimed to fi nd the level of physical activity and obesity among the adolescent school children in this study.

Objectives: The objective of the study was to fi nd the level of physical activity and obesity among the adolescent school children in a Bhaktapur school.

Method: This is a cross sectional pilot study conducted in October 2015 at a private school in Bhaktapur, Nepal. A total of 83 students studying in class eight, nine and ten were included in the study. A validated self-administered questionnaire was used, height and weight were measured and a BMI index for age percentile growth chart was used to interpret the Basal Metabolic Index of the participants.

Result: Out of the total 83 respondents, 31.3% of the respondents performed physical activity for at least 60 minutes a day for more than three days per week and 37.3% participants performed the same for less than three days per week. Twelve percent of the total participants were either overweight or obese.

Conclusion: The amount of physical activity in majority of the students is not adequate. Prevalence of overweight and obesity in adolescence is high. Sedentary life style, increasing trends of indoor game and consumption of junk food are responsible for increased prevalence of overweight and obesity in the adolescence.

 Journal of Kathmandu Medical College

Vol. 5, No. 2, Issue 16, Apr.-Jun., 2016, page: 65-70

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Author Biographies

Nayan Kamal Sainju, Kathmandu Medical College Teaching Hospital Sinamangal, Kathmandu

MBBS final year Student

Naresh Manandhar, Department of Community Medicine, Kathmandu Medical College

Assistant Professor

Anira Vaidya, National Academy of Medical Science, Bir Hospital

Tutor

Sunil Kumar Joshi, Department of Community Medicine, Kathmandu Medical College, Kathmandu

Professor and Head

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Published

2017-10-15

How to Cite

Sainju, N. K., Manandhar, N., Vaidya, A., & Joshi, S. K. (2017). Level of physical activity and obesity among the adolescent school children in Bhaktapur: A cross-sectional pilot study. Journal of Kathmandu Medical College, 5(2), 65–70. https://doi.org/10.3126/jkmc.v5i2.18411

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Section

Original Research Articles