A STUDY ON PREVALENCE OF OBESITY AMONG COLLEGE GOING GIRLS IN AGRA DISTRICT OF U.P.

Abstract

Research question: What is the prevalence of obesity among urban college going girls of Agra in the age group of l8-24 years? Objectives: 1. To study the anthropometric characteristics of study subjects. 2. To study the magnitude of obesity among them. 3. To compare the prevalence of obesity by WHO & Revised Indian Guidelines. Study design: cross sectional study. Setting and participants: Nonprofessional colleges of Agra city and college going girls of l8-24 years. Study period: July to December2008. Sample size: 400 college going girls of I5-24 years. Study variable: Height, Weight, Waist circumference, Hip circumference. Results : According to WHO, 2000 guideline, the prevalence of overweight and obesity was 18.5% and 4.5% respectively. 45.5% of the subjects had normal weight and 31.5% were underweight. According to revised Indian guideline, surprisingly, 42.5% were classified as overweight/obese amongst which 23% were obese with remaining 19.5% overweight and 5 7.5% of subjects were either classified as normal (26%) or below normal (31.5%). Conclusion : Higher prevalence of obesity especially by Indian guidelines, calls for the prevention and control of this problem with prime attention.