Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 22, 2026
Measuring Statistical Learning Across Modalities and Domains in School-Aged Children Via an Online Platform and Neuroimaging Techniques
Published on: June 30, 2020
Obesity and underweight: Serious health problems in Iranian primary school children
Mohammad Hassan Emamian1, Hassan Hashemi2, Akbar Fotouhi3
1Ophthalmic Epidemiology Research Center, Shahroud University of Medical Sciences, Shahroud, Iran.
Insights
Childhood obesity and overweight are rising in Iranian primary school students, particularly in urban areas. Interventions are crucial to address rising obesity and underweight, especially in rural populations.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Public Health Nutrition
- Growth Monitoring
Background:
- Childhood obesity presents a growing global health challenge, with developing nations experiencing a 30% higher rate of increase compared to developed countries.
- Monitoring obesity and overweight in children is essential, particularly in regions with rapid increases.
- This study focuses on the prevalence of obesity, overweight, thinness, and stunting among primary school students in Shahroud, Iran.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of obesity, overweight, thinness, and stunting in primary school students in Shahroud, Iran.
- To analyze the distribution of these nutritional status indicators by education level, gender, and geographic location (urban vs. rural).
- To provide data for targeted public health interventions to combat malnutrition in Iranian children.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 5,620 primary school students in Shahroud, Iran, during 2015.
- Data collection included height and weight measurements to calculate Body Mass Index (BMI) Z-scores for age (WAZ), height-for-age (HAZ), and BMI-for-age (BAZ) using World Health Organization standards.
- Prevalence rates were determined using both WHO standards and the International Obesity Task Force (IOTF) definition, with analysis stratified by demographic factors.
Main Results:
- Mean WAZ, HAZ, and BAZ scores were 0.050 ± 1.25, 0.005 ± 0.98, and 0.076 ± 1.35, respectively.
- Nutritional indices were significantly lower in rural areas compared to urban areas (P < 0.001).
- Overweight and obesity affected 25.7% of urban children and 14.8% of rural children, while 5.1% of rural girls exhibited stunting.
Conclusions:
- Obesity and overweight rates continue to increase among Iranian school children, necessitating urgent and comprehensive intervention strategies.
- Public health initiatives must address both overweight/obesity and underweight/stunting, with a particular focus on vulnerable rural populations.
- The findings highlight the dual burden of malnutrition in Iranian children, requiring tailored approaches for different regions and demographics.
Background:
Childhood obesity is increasing around the world. Compared with developed countries, the rate of increase is 30% higher in developing countries, where the monitoring of obesity and overweight is essential. This study investigated the prevalence of obesity, overweight, thinness, and stunting in primary school students in Shahroud, Iran.
Methods:
A total of 5,620 primary students were enrolled during 2015. In rural areas all students were invited to participate, while cluster sampling was used in urban areas and 200 classrooms were selected randomly as clusters. Height, weight and body mass index Z-scores for age (HAZ, WAZ and BAZ) were calculated based on World Health Organization standard. The mean indices and prevalence of obesity, overweight, thinness, and stunting were calculated by education level, gender, and place of residence. Prevalence of obesity and overweight was estimated also by international obesity task force definition.
Results:
The mean WAZ, HAZ, and BAZ were 0.050 ± 1.25, 0.005 ± 0.98, and 0.076 ± 1.35, respectively. These indices in rural areas were significantly lower than those in urban areas (P < 0.001). Overall, 25.7% of children in urban areas (95%CI: 24.1-27.4) and 14.8% in rural areas (95%CI: 12.3-17.3) were overweight or obese, and 5.1% of rural girls (95%CI: 3.1-7.0) were stunted.
Conclusions:
Compared with previous studies, obesity and overweight are still rising in Iranian school children, thus more serious interventions are needed. These interventions must also deal with underweight and stunting, particularly in rural areas.
Related Concept Videos
01:24Obesity
01:21Drug Dosing: Obese Patients
01:21Health Literacy
01:11Purpose of Health Records I
Here's a breakdown of how health records serve these purposes:
01:19Purpose of Health Records II
01:30Health Information Technology and Healthcare Information System
Health Information Technology, commonly called HIT, integrates advanced information systems and technology in healthcare settings. Its primary functions include: