[Obesity and overweight: prevalence and risk factors in school aged children in Damascus - pilot study]

ABSTRACT

Determination of prevalence and risk factors of obesity and overweight in comparison of a private and public schools children including life style, and some nutrition habits. Prospective study in two schools private and public school, in the same geographical region in Damascus city, during the primary level. Total number is 298 children, [141 males and 157 females], the overweight prevalence [including obesity] is 40% in the private school, 9.5% in the public school. The obesity is more prevalent in females than males [21.5% versus 18.5% in the private school, 8.3% versus 1.2% in the public school]. The total television watching hours and the computer games, low physical activity, fast food, and soft drinks are more prevalent, the breakfast taking is lower in overweight and obesity group in both schools. Obesity is more prevalent in the private school than the public school, secondary to the economical status, the lifestyle and the food habits play an important role in the obesity and overweight development