Obesity, physical activity levels, and associated factors among secondary school students in Konya

To ascertain the frequency of obesity, levels of physical activity, and related determinants in adolescent learners.

The study was conducted among 5th, 6th, and 7th-grade students aged 10-14 years at a secondary school in Karatay district, Konya, using a descriptive and correlational design. Participants were selected through a stratified sampling method. Data were collected using a socio-demographic questionnaire, the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Children (PAQ-C), and direct measurements of height and weight. Descriptive statistics, independent t-test, Mann-Whitney U, Kruskal-Wallis, One-Way ANOVA, Chi-square test, and correlation analyses were performed using SPSS 2020, with a significance level set at p<0.05.

Among the participants, 12.9 % were categorized as overweight, and 3.8 % as obese. A negative relationship was identified between age and PAQ-C scores. Male students demonstrated notably higher PAQ-C scores compared to females. Additionally, a significant negative correlation was observed between Body Mass Index (BMI) and PAQ-C scores (r=-0.313, p<0.05). As physical activity levels rise, BMI values decline.

Given the critical developmental stage of adolescence, promoting physical activity is vital for preventing obesity and establishing lifelong healthy behaviors. School healthcare professionals should implement evidence-based interventions within educational settings to foster active lifestyles and reduce obesity-related risks. This connection and the contributing factors are essential for reducing obesity rates and enhancing physical activity behaviors. Early intervention during adolescence may significantly impact public health outcomes in the long term.