Journal of Nutritional Disorders & Therapy

Prevalence of overweight and obesity among school age children in kurdistan region/IRAQ

International Conference on Pediatric Nutrition

August 01-02, 2016 New Orleans, USA

Azad A Haleem and Abbas Abdulkader Al-Rabaty

University of duhok, Duhok, Iraq
Hawler medical university, Erbil, Iraq

Posters & Accepted Abstracts: J Nutr Disorders Ther

Abstract:

Background and aims: The Prevalence of child obesity is increasing rapidly worldwide. It isbelieved that childhood obesity can lead to adulthood obesity. Children and adolescents who are obese are at greater risk for bone and joint problems, sleep apnea, and social and psychological problems such as stigmatization and poor self-esteem. It is also associated withseveral risk factors for later heart disease and other chronic diseases including hyperlipidaemia, hyperinsulinemia, hypertension, and early atherosclerosis. Aims: Determine the prevalence of overweight and obesity in school aged children. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 2009 school aged 10 -17 years old children in Duhok and Erbil cities/ Iraq. Multistage sampling method used (Stratified sampling then Simple random sampling in phase two and three). The data were collected from 5th Februarys 2012 to 10th July 2012 using a self-administered, pretested questionnaire. Anthropometric measures were taken in schools; BMI was calculated for each child as the ratio of weight (kg) to height (m) squared (kg/m2). All measurements were performed twice depended on CDC data. Children were classified as follows: <5th percentile underweight, 5th percentile to < 85th percentile Healthy weight, 85th percentile to < 95th percentile overweight and �?�95th percentile considered obese. Results: The overall prevalence of overweight and obesity were 15.2 % and 12.1%, respectively. Prevalence of obesity was higher among male, from Erbil, physically inactive & those with positive family history of overweight and obesity. Conclusions: Based on the study results, it is recommended that weight, height and BMI should be assessed regularly in children and adolescents to identify individuals at risk

Biography :

Email: azad82d@gmail.com