Abstract

*Ahmed Abdullah Aljawayan, Faisal Zaal Alanazi, Hassan Ahmad Saleh Alsalman, Mashaal Baday Alsahli, Turky Hamood Almohaisen, Mohammed Khalid Alsahli, Abdulaziz Mohammad Aleid, Khalid Aiydh Alharthi

ABSTRACT

Background: In developing countries, widespread trends of accelerating child obesity and overweight have been reported, necessitating effective interventions. Obesity and overweight are becoming a global threat to public health. The purpose of this study is to determine the prevalence of obesity and overweight in primary school children. Method: The study design was descriptive descriptive-cross sectional, institutional based study-sectional. 323 primary school students took part in the study. Direct interviews were used to collect data, which was then analyzed using SPSS with parental permission. Results: Males were 4.4% and 6.1% overweight, respectively, while females were 6.0% and 7.2% overweight, respectively. Females were found to be more overweight and obese than males. The study found a strong positive association between obesity, overweight, and gender (P. Value = 0.008). Conclusion: The study concluded that girls were more likely than boys to be overweight or obese. There was a strong positive relationship between economic status, parental educational level, and a family history of obesity and overweight. It is critical that schoolchildren receive nutritional and dietary education.