ABSTRACT
To determine the prevalence of obesity, underweight and their associations with physical activity and diet patterns among 12-14 year old adolescent boys in Sabzevar, Iran. This cross-sectional study was performed on 650 boy students aged 12-14 years in Sabzevar [2009]. Subjects were selected via random Sampling. Underweight, overweight and obesity was defined based on the 5th, 85th and 95th percentiles of body mass index [BMI] for age and sex, respectively, as proposed by CDC 2000. Physical activity levels were assessed by the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Older Children [PAQ-C]. Dietary intakes [energy intake and macronutrient] were assessed by means of a food frequency questionnaire [FFQ]. Sedentary behaviors and socioeconomic status of subjects assessed by means of a designed questionnaire. The overall prevalence of overweight and obesity was 9.8% and 7.1%, respectively. Also prevalence of underweight was 11.1%. Physical activity levels were significantly lower [P<0.01] in overweight-obese subjects than normal-weight and underweight subjects. Television viewing were higher [P<0.05] in overweight-obese subjects than normal-weight subjects. There was no statistically significant different in the reported energy intake and macronutrient between overweight-obese and non-overweight subjects. After adjusting for body weight and BMI, the overweight-obese subjects had the lowest energy intake [P<0.01]. Overweight-obese subjects were less likely to eat breakfast than non-overweight [P<0.05]. There was significant positive correlation between education level of parents and BMI of subjects. Education level of parents was significantly higher in overweight-obese subjects than normal-weight subjects. These data indicate that prevalence overweight and obesity is relatively high among 12-14 year-old adolescent boys in Sabzevar. The findings suggested that a decrease in physical activity levels and increase in sedentary behaviors [television viewing and not using computer] are related with obesity and overweight, but not diet pattern