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Prevalence of Obesity in School-Going Children of Karachi

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  • Haider Javed Warraich
  • Faisal Javed
  • Mohammed Faraz-ul-Haq
  • Fariha Batool Khawaja
  • Sarah Saleem

Abstract

Background: Obesity is an emerging problem in Pakistan. The authors sought to determine prevalence of obesity and malnutrition in school-going children, from grades 6th to 8th of different schools of Karachi and assess associations that affect the weight of the children. Methodology/Principal Findings: A cross sectional study design with children studying in grades 6th to 8th grade, in different schools of Karachi. We visited 10 schools of which 4 consented; two subsidized government schools and two private schools. A questionnaire was developed in consultation with a qualified nutritionist. Height and weight were measured on calibrated scales. A modified BMI criterion for Asian populations was used. Data was collected from 284 students. Of our sample, 52% were found to be underweight whereas 34% of all the children were normal. Of the population, 6% was obese and 8% overweight. Of all obese children, 70% belonged to the higher socio-economic status (SES) group, while of the underweight children, 63.3% were in the lower SES. Amongst obese children in our study, 65% ate meat every day, compared to 33% of normal kids. Conclusion: Obesity and undernutrition co-exist in Pakistani school-children. Our study shows that socio-economic factors are important since obesity and overweight increase with SES. Higher SES groups should be targeted for overweight while underweight is a problem of lower SES. Meat intake and lack of physical activity are some of the other factors that have been highlighted in our study.

Suggested Citation

  • Haider Javed Warraich & Faisal Javed & Mohammed Faraz-ul-Haq & Fariha Batool Khawaja & Sarah Saleem, 2009. "Prevalence of Obesity in School-Going Children of Karachi," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 4(3), pages 1-6, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:plo:pone00:0004816
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0004816
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Pappas, G. & Akhtar, T. & Gergen, P.J. & Hadden, W.C. & Khan, A.Q., 2001. "Health status of the Pakistani population: A health profile and comparison with the United States," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 91(1), pages 93-98.
    2. Nanan, D. & Akhter, M. & Pappas, G., 2001. "Health status of the Pakistani population [1] (multiple letters)," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 91(10), pages 1545-1546.
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