Risk factors affecting obesity development in high school students: a community based case-control study.

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Pediatrics
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Obesity is a global epidemic, defined as excessive fat accumulation impairing health.
• It affects adults, children, and adolescents, posing a significant public health challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify factors contributing to obesity among high school students in a city center.
• To understand the role of sociodemographic, behavioral, and environmental factors in adolescent obesity.

Main Methods:

• A case-control study involving 386 students (193 cases, 193 controls).
• Data collected via questionnaires on sociodemographics, eating habits, physical activity, and weight-related factors.
• Statistical analysis included chi-square and logistic regression; p < 0.05 considered significant.

Main Results:

• Univariate analysis identified family/neighborhood obesity, transportation, best friend's weight-related thoughts, and desire for weight loss as associated with obesity.
• Multivariate analysis revealed family/neighborhood obesity, vehicle transportation to school, and a same-sex best friend's desire for weight maintenance as predictors.
• Obese students were more likely to perceive themselves as obese and desire weight loss.

Conclusions:

• Significant risk factors for adolescent obesity include having an obese family member/neighbor, using vehicles for school transport, and having a same-sex best friend who desires weight maintenance.
• Self-perception of obesity and desire for weight loss were higher in the obese group.
• Recommendations include parental awareness programs on healthy eating and family-based physical activity to foster healthy lifestyles.