Risk factors, Repercussions, and Preventive strategies for Childhood Obesity and Overweight

Abstract

Background: In the twenty-first century, childhood obesity and its concomitant conditions represent a significant public health issue. In developing nations, obesity is an emerging problem and the health care system has prioritized malnutrition.
Methods: The study conducted at St. John's Medical College was a two-year case-control study from October 2019 to October 2021. Participants in the study included fifty children who were overweight or obese and an equal number of children who were normal weight, matched for age and gender. Focusing on childhood obesity, this study gathers information from mothers on sociodemographic characteristics and their responses to a KAP questionnaire. This dual approach aims to understand the factors influencing childhood obesity, with mothers providing key insights into their children's lifestyle choices.
Results: There were 29 females and 71 boys among the 100 children. The children's average age was 11.77 years. The mothers of overweight or obese children had a mean BMI of 27.5, while the control group's was 22.70. Higher maternal age, BMI, consumption of fast food more than once a week, snacking with packed foods, daily playtime<30mins, and screen time>2 hours were associated with obesity. Compared to mothers of OW/OB children, mothers of normal-weight children exhibited considerably higher attitude and practice scores. Maternal education level was exhibited with knowledge and attitude. While there was no correlation between knowledge and practices (r = +0.075, p = 0.456) or attitude and practices (r = +0.151, p = 0.134), there was a correlation between attitude and knowledge (r = +0.471, p = 0.000).
Conclusion: This study concluded that higher maternal age, BMI, excess fast food intake, screen time and less play time are the associated risk factors for obesity. Although there is a correlation between positive attitude and knowledge, it does not guarantee effective practices.