Prevalence, determinants and knowledge toward overweight and obesity among grade 7-12 students in Duhok city

Background: Overweight and obesity are common illnesses that impact around one billion individuals worldwide, with a higher prevalence among women than males. The study's objectives were to determine the prevalence and determinants of overweight and obesity among students and their knowledge on the subject. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed on 500 intermediate and high school students (250 boys and 250 girls) in classes 7-12 in Duhok city, between November 12, 2023, and December 6, 2023. Anthropometric measures were taken, and a systematic questionnaire was used to study the risk factors of overweight and obesity, and the related eating habits, attitude, and knowledge. Results: Out of the 500 students, 48% had normal BMI. whereas 15.6% were obese and up to 23% were overweight. Seventy-six percent of students usually eat breakfast, 55.6% eat fast food twice a week, 38.6% use energy drinks, and 66.8% drink fizzy drinks 3-4 times a week. A significant statistical association was observed between students' understanding and their BMI, as well family history of obesity. The BMI of the students is associated with their educational level, but not with that of their parents. Conclusions: About one half of the students have abnormal BMI, and 38.6% were either overweight or obese. They have a variety of bad eating habits that contribute to the high prevalence of overweight and obesity, such eating fast food, snacks, and fizzy beverages.