Prevalence and Perception of Overweight and Obesity and Evaluation of the Effectiveness of a School Based Intervention Program on BMI Body Composition and Selected Health Related Behaviors Pattern among Adolescents in Vellore

Abstract

Background: Obesity is becoming a major concern not only in developed countries but in developing countries as well. Lack of physical activity among adolescents is the main reason for obesity among all age group especially adolescents. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of interventional program which consisted of structured training on obesity prevention and Zumba exercise for adolescents who attend school (both private and government) from randomly selected schools in Vellore. Objectives: 1. Assess the perception of the parent and the child about overweight/obesity, to study the effectiveness of a school-based intervention program for 3 months in changing the BMI, body composition, fitness and health related behavior of adolescents aged 10-18 years as compared to the control group. 2. Determine the association between overweight, obesity and selected demographic features. Methods: The investigator after obtaining clearance from the College of Nursing, ethical committee and Institutional Review Board of C.M.C Vellore, sought permission from the CEO to conduct the study in the schools of Vellore city. The school principals were contacted to obtain permission and to learn the feasibility of the study methods. Results: It was noted that the prevalence of overweight was 8.4 % and obesity was 1.9% among the subjects studied. The mean overall perception of overweight and obesity was 70% for mothers and 68% for adolescents. Interpretation and Conclusion: Overweight and obesity continue to be a pressing issue among adolescents as the prevalence rate is 10.2 and 2% respectively among the school going adolescents of Vellore district. Interventional programs such as Zumba exercise and structured training was effective in reducing the BMI to 5% compared to the baseline BMI. This impact continued even 3months after the intervention was discontinued (2.5% reduction at the 6th month after the intervention) which reveals that the school adolescents would have continued to do the Zumba exercise as instructed by the investigator.