Socio-demographic correlation with overweight and obesity among children of North India

Background: Nutritional and epidemiological transition over the past three decades has resulted in weight changes. The dramatic rise in childhood obesity is one of its adverse outcomes. Objectives: To assess the relationship of socio-demographic variables with overweight and obesity among children. Methods: This cross-sectional community-based study was conducted in school going children of both sex aged 6-14 years in rural and urban areas of Jammu region. After explaining the purpose of the study, students were interviewed by the investigator and needful information regarding socio-demographic variables collected. Following the anthropometric assessment, BMI percentiles were obtained from WHO age and gender-specific BMI charts. Among socio-demographic variables age, gender, residential area, type of school, type of family, education of parents, mother's occupation, family size and birth order were analyzed for their relationship with overweight and obesity. Results: Gender, residential area, type of school and mother's occupation were significantly associated with overweight and obesity. Conclusion: Socio-demographic and socioeconomic factors affect the nutritional status of children and adolescents. Overnutrition as one of its adverse outcome needs to be addressed with priority so as to prevent the pandemic of obesity and its metabolic consequences.