Trends of overweight and obesity among 14-18 years old urban adolescent girls among senior high schools, Ahvaz, Iran

Abstract

Background: Over the past century, most nutrition research and policy concerning the developing world focused on poverty and under-nutrition. Now, there is a growing evidence of a major shift toward overweight and obesity in these societies. The aim of this study was to assess changes in prevalence of obesity among 14-18 years old adolescent girls in Ahvaz between years 1997 and 2006.

Methods: Two cross-sectional studies were separately carried out. In 1997, 398 adolescent girls aged 14-18 year, and in 2006, 420 girls were selected from Ahvaz senior high schools, by stratified sampling. Socio-economic questionnaires were completed, weight and height were measured, and then BMI was calculated.               

Results: We observed a statistical significant difference in BMI and weight when participants of two studies were compared, revealed a tremendous trend toward over-weight and obesity. Results reveal a 3-fold increase in the prevalence of obesity and over-weight between 1997 and 2006 (OR= 2.87, 95%CI: 1.83-4.49; P<0.001). The data shows that there is a significant relation between BMI and food habits including number of meals (P< 0.001) and missing the breakfast (P< 0.05).                 

Conclusion: Results of this study are eloquent of the fact that prevalence of obesity is increasing among adolescent girl students in Ahvaz. Regarding the harmful ramifications of obesity, it is critical to encourage healthy eating patterns and increase physical activity among adolescent girls.