Factors associated with obesity and overweight in school-aged children

Abstract

To assess the factors associated with excess weight (overweight/obese) in school children enrolled in the public education network in Divinópolis, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Cross-sectional study with 1187 children between 6 and 14 years of age from municipal schools in Divinópolis, Minas Gerais. The prevalence of obesity and overweight was calculated based on the parameters of the World Health Organization, using the WHO Anthro-Plus Program. Logistic regression was used to identify the variables associated with excess weight, at a significance level of 5%. A prevalence of 24.4% of excess weight was identified. Family income and maternal education were determinants of overweight in the study population (p<0.05). Excess weight was configured as an important health problem among the students. The public power needs to implement intersectoral measures with a view to the prevention and reduction of the prevalence of overweight and obesity among school-aged children.