Behaviour Related to Overweight and Obesity among Adolescents of Schools in Kathmandu

Abstract

Introduction: Overweight and obesity are major risk factors for non-communicable diseases. The prevalence of overweight and obesity is increasing and is influenced by urbanization and changes in lifestyles. Understanding adolescents’ behaviour related to obesity in Kathmandu is pivotal. This study aimed to investigate behaviours associated with being overweight and obesity among school adolescents in Kathmandu.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 665 adolescents in government secondary schools in Kathmandu using a one-stage cluster sampling technique. Data was collected using a structured, pretested, self-administered questionnaire. Ethical approval was obtained from the Ethical Review Board of the Nepal Health Research Council.  Adolescents’ behaviour related to diet, physical activities, sleep, and screen time was assessed. Data analysis was done using descriptive statistics, and a chi-square test was used to measure the association between behaviour status and selected variables.

Results: More than half (58.2%) were female with a mean age of 15 years, 47.4% were from a nuclear family, and 52.3% were studying in grade 10.   Almost half (49.8%) exhibited fair behaviour, and only 2.1% showed good behaviour related to obesity. More than half (54.3%) had breakfast daily, and 27.1% consumed fast food daily. Nearly 30.0 % reported never exercising, and among those who did exercise, 72.0 % exercised less than 60 minutes per day. Screen time under two hours daily was reported by 73.2%. Significant association was found between behaviour status related to obesity and grade (p=0.025).

 Conclusion: Very few adolescents have good behaviour, while most have fair behaviours that contribute to overweight and obesity. Health education promoting physical activity and a healthy lifestyle for adolescents is recommended to reduce the risk of adolescent obesity.