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TITLE:

ANALYSIS OF INCREASE IN CHILDHOOD OBESITY WITH RESPECT TO HIGH RATES OF UNDER NUTRITION IN PAKISTANI POPULATION

AUTHORS:

Saira Tasawar, Muizza Arshad, Hafiza Ambreen Mushtaq

ABSTRACT:

Introduction: The rising number of overweight and obese children and adolescents has been well documented in many developed countries. Several studies have provided robust evidence that being overweight in childhood increases the risk of atherosclerosis, a risk that continues in to adulthood. Aims and objectives: The basic aim of the study is to analyze the increase in childhood obesity due to high rates of under nutrition in Pakistani population. Material and methods: This cross sectional study was conducted in Jinnah Hospital, Lahore during January 2019 to July 2019. Data on demographic, lifestyle, socioeconomic and health-related variables were collected using a questionnaire validated in local languages. Physicians at examination centres performed a standardized physical examination. Mothers were proxy respondents for children aged under 12 years. Trained technicians performed anthropometric examinations. Results: About 27.9% (95% CI) (26–30%) of children were underweight: 29% boys versus 27% girls (p = 0.39), and 14.6% (13–16%) were stunted: 15.5% boys versus 13.8% girls (p = 0.36). The pattern with age was similar to that seen in the NHSP, remaining fairly stable until the age of 11–12 years (prevalence of 16%) and then decreasing with a prevalence of underweight and stunted children among those aged 13–14 years, respectively (prevalence of 9%). Conclusion: It is concluded that the rapidly rising burden of obesity with persistent levels of under nutrition among children is a unique and complex challenge and represents a major threat to the healthcare services.

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