ASSESSMENT OF PREVALENCE OF OVERWEIGHT AND OBESITY AMONG ADOLESCENT GIRLS IN RURAL AREAS OF BAGEPALLI TALUK OF CHIKKABALLAPURA DISTRICT, KARNATAKA, SOUTH INDIA

Background: Childhood overweight and obesity has become a major public health concern globally because of its adverse health consequences and escalating prevalence. The factors underlying the disease conditions manifested during adulthood commonly originate in childhood. Overweight and obese children are more likely to grow to become overweight and obese adults with higher chances of developing non-communicable diseases like diabetes and CVDs. Objectives: 1. To assess the prevalence of overweight and obesity among the adolescent girls in rural areas Bagepalli taluk. 2. To study the risk factors associated with overweight and obesity. Materials and Methods: A Cross-Sectional study was conducted to assess the prevalence on overweight and obesity among government and private high school going adolescent girls in rural area of Bagepalli taluk in Chikkaballapura district. Necessary permission from the concerned authority including the education department block education officer (BEO) in Bagepalli taluk and school principle was been obtained from respective schools. A proportionate sampling technique was used in this study and sampling size 100 was calculated by using prevalence-based formula 4pq/L2, with the prevalence – 6.86%, Q = (100-P), L= Error (5%). n =4(6) (100-6)/(5)2. n = 2,256/25 = 90.26 n =100. And then a semi – structured interview schedule was been used to get the information of family characteristics and individual characteristics. Physical examination was be conducted anthropometric measurements of height, weight, waist – hip ratio was be taken using standard equipment's to calculate body mass index (BMI) and central obesity (waist-hip ratio). Results: The overall prevalence of overweight and obesity among adolescent girls according to the body mass index cut off overweight were 30.0%, obesity 5.55%, normal 31.11%, and underweight were 33.33% (30). The overall prevalence of overweight and obesity among adolescent girls were 35.5% from private and government school. The associate risk factors among overweight and obesity among physical activities like walk regularly, weight increased during covid-19 online classes, and transportation. Dietary habits like fruits consumed, junk food consumption. Sleep characteristics like sleep duration weekdays, insomnia, type of sleep habits I had got significant p value among these factors by chi-square test in my study. Conclusion: The present study shows that overweight and obesity among school going adolescent girls aged 12–16 years. Prevalence is more the over nutrition problem (overweight/obesity) was reported higher among female students. Health education to students regarding the ill effects of overweight and obesity is the most important step in the prevention of over nutrition. A Well-designed, well-implemented school program can effectively promote physical activity and healthy eating behavior among children.