Obesity among urban primary schoolchildren

Author: Shariff AH ; Sazlina SG ; Shamsul AS
Publication Type:Journal Article
Keywords: Obesity, primary schoolchildren, prevalence, cross-sectional survey
From:Journal of University of Malaya Medical Centre 2007;10(1):17-20
CountryMalaysia
Language:English
Abstract: Three urban public primary schools in the district of Petaling, Selangor were surveyed for obesity amongst the schoolchildren and factors related to it. The prevalence of obesity amongst primary schoolchildren, with the mean age of 8.91 years was 9.5%. In addition, it was more prevalent among the boys (p<0.05) as compared to the girls. However, there was no difference with regards to ethnicity, being breastfed, physical activity, time spent watching television or fast food intake in relation to obesity among these primary schoolchildren. A larger community study is required to determine if other specific factors and dietary energy intake are associated with obesity amongst primary schoolchildren, especially in rural or less urbanised regions.