Overweight and Obesity in Preschoolers in a Region in Western Turkey and Related Factors

Abstract

Objective:The increase in the prevalence of overweight and obesity in children is one of the major public health problems nowadays. The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of overweight / obesity and related factors in preschool children. Matherials and Methods:The cross-sectional study was carried out in the city center of Balıkesir from October 2015 to January 2016. The study sample included 1061 children selected using the multistage sampling method. The study data were collected through face-to-face interviews with a structured questionnaire and anthropometric measurements. Numbers, percentages, chi-square test, bivariate and multivariate regression analysis were used in the analysis. Results:Of the participants, 4.9% were overweight and 11.2% were obese. The prevalence of overweight and obesity was higher in boys (AOR*=1.34 [95% CI**: 1.02-1.80]), those living in an apartment (AOR = 1.78 [95% CI: 1.54-4.82]), those having an extended family (AOR = 2.51 [95% CI: 1.03-6.12]), those with a family history of obesity (AOR = 3.02 [95% CI: 1.62-5.66]), those who skipped a meal (AOR = 1.56 [95% CI: 1.05,2.36]), = 1.68 [95% CI: 1.27-2.22]), those interested in other things while eating (AOR = 1.68 [95% CI: 1.27-2.22]) and those whose mothers were university graduates (AOR = 1.94 [95% CI: 1.04-3.64]) (p <0.05). Conclusions: The prevalence of overweight / obesity in preschool children is high. Sedentary lifestyle and poor diet increase the prevalence of obesity.