Assessment of Risk Factors for Obesity in Children Aged 6-17 Years Where Obesity Reaches Peak

Abstract

Objective: Obesity is an important health problem affecting 25-30% of children and adolescents. This study, it was aimed to determine the age intervals in which obesity reaches to peak incidence and risk factors playing role in the development obesity among children and adolescents aged 6-17 years who presented to pediatrics outpatient clinic of Ankara Keçiören Training and Research Hospital. Material and Methods: This cross-sectional study included 3.000 children and adolescents aged 6-17 years and their parents who presented with any reason to pediatrics outpatient clinic of Ankara Keçiören Training and Research Hospital between October, 2019 and December, 2019. Results: Obesity was detected in 21.4% of children while 78.6% were not obese. A significant correlation was detected between birth weight and obesity (p=0.001). A significant correlation was found between obesity and time spent for TV, computer and video games per day (p<0.001). The obesity was significantly decreased by increasing duration of physical activity. In the study, the obesity incidence was 1.77-folds (1.25-2.50) higher in children with obese mother and 2.01-folds (1.42-2.85) in children with obese father. Conclusion: The obesity incidence is progressively increasing in childhood as with other age groups. To prevent such increase, measures should be taken as early as possible. An adequate and balanced nutrition and physical activity are of important in prevention and treatment of obesity. Although primary goal is to achieve lifestyle modifications, pharmacotherapy or surgery may be attempted in the presence of severe obesity-related complications.