ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: The objectives of this study were to establish weight, height and body mass index curves and to calculate the prevalence of obesity by sex and age groups in Lebanese adolescents of private schools. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Body weight, height and body mass index (BMI) were measured among 12299 adolescents aged 10 to 18 years from Lebanese private schools. Adolescents' growth charts were established. Obesity and at risk of obesity individuals were identified according to International Obesity Taskforce thresholds, and our numbers were compared to those of other countries. RESULTS: Curves of weight, height and BMI were drawn. In boys, 10.1% were obese and 28.8% at risk of obesity. In girls, 4.2% were obese and 19.0% were at risk of obesity. CONCLUSION: Lebanese private schools adolescents, particularly boys, present high prevalences of obesity and risk of obesity. Pediatricians should identify early adolescents at greater risk, in order to achieve a more favorable prognosis.
Subject(s)
Obesity/epidemiology , Private Sector , Schools , Adolescent , Age Factors , Body Mass Index , Body Size , Body Weight , Child , Cross-Sectional Studies , Female , Growth , Humans , Lebanon/epidemiology , Male , Prevalence , Risk FactorsABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Obesity has become a public health problem worldwide. Our objective was to calculate the prevalence of overweight and obesity. METHODS: It is a cross sectional study of adolescents in private Lebanese schools, aged 10-18 years. Gender, birth date and measures of weight and height were recorded. RESULTS: In 12,299 adolescents, we found high prevalence of obesity (7.5%) and at risk of obesity (24.4%). In girls, risk of obesity and obesity prevalence decrease with increasing age (P < 10(-4)) as compared with that in boys. CONCLUSION: Early recognition of obesity should become routine in paediatric ambulatory care settings.
