RESUMO
INTRODUCTION: The international community is increasing concerned about obesity, which it has become one of the most common noninfectious pandemics worldwide and affects a growing number of children. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We conducted an analytic cross-sectional study from May 25 to June 16, 2010, among a sample of 435 randomly selected students in secondary schools in the city of Ouagadougou to identify the factors contributing to obesity and overweight. RESULTS: The main factors significantly associated with obesity and overweight were family history of obesity (OR = 7.4), higher socioeconomic level (OR = 3.8), snacking on candy (OR = 5, 3), pastry (OR = 3.5), and chocolate (OR = 12.6), frequent consumption of sweets (OR = 2.2), lack of physical activity (OR = 4.4), and conflictual family relationships (OR = 3.9). CONCLUSION: Dealing with these factors in prevention activities should help to reduce the prevalence of overweight and obesity and their morbid consequences later on.
