Prevalence and Determinants of Obesity among Rural School-Going Adolescents in Andhra Pradesh: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Childhood obesity is an emerging public health challenge globally, with increasing prevalence in developing countries, including India. Adolescents represent a critical age group for early prevention of lifestyle-related disorders. Objectives: To estimate the prevalence of obesity among school-going adolescents in rural Andhra Pradesh and identify associated risk factors. Methods: A school-based cross-sectional study was conducted from January 2023 to April 2023 among 300 adolescents aged 10–15 years in Parthipadu village, the rural field practice area of Katuri Medical College, Guntur. Anthropometric data were collected using standardized tools and obesity was classified using the ELIZ growth chart. Data on sociodemographic, dietary and lifestyle factors were obtained using a pretested semi-structured questionnaire. Analysis was done using SPSS v25. Results: The prevalence of obesity was 14.7% and overweight 22.7%. Significant associations were observed between obesity and higher socioeconomic status, daily milk consumption, junk food intake, lack of outdoor play, and not practicing yoga. No significant associations were found with gender, type of diet, or screen time. Obesity was more common among females (15.9%) and among upper (25.5%) and upper middle-class children (33.3%). Conclusion: The burden of adolescent obesity in rural Andhra Pradesh is considerable. Lifestyle factors such as dietary habits, physical activity and junk food consumption were key determinants. School-based and community interventions are urgently required to prevent early onset of obesity and its long-term consequences.