Investigation of Obesity Prevalence in Adolescent Children in Şanlıurfa Province and Its Relationship with Parental Obesity

Obesity Prevalence in Adolescent Children in Şanlıurfa

Abstract

Background: Adolescent children obesity is a global public health concern, with increasing prevalence worldwide. This study aims to investigate the prevalence of adolescent children obesity in Şanlıurfa, Turkey, a region characterized by high fertility rates and relatively low socio-economic status, and to explore the demographic and lifestyle factors associated with childhood obesity.

Methods: 176 adolescent children aged 10-17 were evaluated. Data on demographics, family income, residential location, parental professions, the presence of siblings with obesity, fast food consumption, and social media usage were collected. Body Mass Index (BMI) was calculated, and children were categorized into groups based on weight status. Various statistical methods, including chi-square tests, t-tests, analysis of variance, logistic regression, and correlation analysis, were employed to analyze the data.

Results: The study found a combined prevalence of obesity and overweight in adolescent children of 22.7%. Obesity prevalence among children aged 10-17 years was found 8.5%. Children with obesity or overweight were older, had more siblings, had a greater incidence of obesity among siblings, and had a higher frequency of fast food consumption compared to their counterparts (p<0.05). Maternal BMI was significantly associated with adolescent children's obesity (p<0.05). Low family income was a notable factor in adolescent children with obesity or overweight (p=0.019). However, there was no statistically significant difference in obesity rates between rural and urban areas (p=0.068).

Conclusion: This study highlights the prevalence of adolescent obesity among children in Şanlıurfa, Turkey. Although it is relatively lower than in some other low-income regions, it aligns with global trends.