Prevalence and Determinants of Obesity Among Adolescents Aged 12–15 Years in Sanandaj, Iran: A Cross-Sectional Study

This cross-sectional study aimed to determine the prevalence of obesity and its associated factors among 330 adolescents aged 12–15 years (165 males, 165 females) in Sanandaj, Iran. Using multistage clustered sampling, 10 high schools were selected, and students’ height and weight were measured to calculate body mass index (BMI), classified by National Center for Health Statistics/World Health Organization percentiles for age and sex (thin: <5th, normal: 5th–<85th, overweight: 85th–<95th, obese: ≥95th). A questionnaire assessed demographic, parental, and lifestyle factors, including consumption of high-calorie, low-nutrient foods, physical activity, and screen time. Data were analyzed using SPSS software with t-tests, chi-square tests, and logistic regression (P < 0.05). The prevalence of obesity was 5.2% (95% CI: 3.2–8.1) and overweight was 10.0% (95% CI: 7.2–13.7). Males had higher overweight rates (10.9% vs. 9.1%), while females had slightly higher obesity rates (6.1% vs. 4.2%). Significant associations were found with maternal obesity (P = 0.004) and consumption of high-calorie, low-nutrient foods (P = 0.040). No significant relationships were observed with gender, age, paternal obesity, parental education, socioeconomic status, physical activity, or screen time (P > 0.05). These findings indicate a moderate prevalence of obesity and overweight among Sanandaj adolescents, driven by maternal obesity and poor dietary habits. Interventions should focus on promoting healthy eating and family-based strategies to address adolescent obesity.