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Obesity and its associated risk factors among school-aged children in Sharjah, UAE

Abduelmula R Abduelkarem1, Suleiman I Sharif1, Farah G Bankessli1

  • 1Pharmacy Practice and Pharmacoetherapeutics Department, College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.

Plos One
|June 6, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Childhood obesity is a significant health issue in Sharjah, UAE, with over 28% of primary school children overweight or obese. Unhealthy eating habits and sedentary lifestyles are key contributing factors requiring immediate intervention.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Nutrition
  • Public Health
  • Obesity Research

Background:

  • Childhood overweight and obesity are the most common nutritional disorders globally.
  • Multiple factors contribute to the escalating childhood obesity epidemic.
  • Understanding these factors is crucial for developing effective interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of childhood obesity in primary school children in Sharjah, UAE.
  • To investigate the influence of eating behaviors on childhood obesity.
  • To assess the impact of lifestyle factors on the condition.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional survey was conducted among school children aged 6-11 years in Sharjah, UAE.
  • Data collection included health characteristics, child habits, lifestyle, disease status, and medication.
  • A total of 678 surveys were returned, yielding a response rate of 72.8%.

Main Results:

  • Overweight and obesity were prevalent in 28.2% of the participating children.
  • High consumption of candy (54.6%) and fast food (47.8%) was observed.
  • Physical inactivity (23.9%), food choices, age, and screen time were significantly associated with Body Mass Index (BMI).

Conclusions:

  • The prevalence of overweight and obesity in Sharjah is high across genders and age groups studied.
  • Sedentary lifestyles, unhealthy food consumption, and family history are potential contributing factors.
  • Urgent measures are needed to combat childhood obesity and its associated health risks.
Abstract

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