Dietary Pattern and Obesity among Adoloscents: A Cross Sectional Study

Background: Obesity is a complex condition with serious social and psychological dimensions, that affects virtually all age and socioeconomic groups and threatens to overwhelm both developed and developing countries. This problem is increasing in adolescents and various factors contribute to it. Method: A cross sectional study was conducted among adolescents studying in high school. Totally1718 study subjects were included for the study. Relevant information was collected by self-administered proforma. Body mass index was used to find obesity. Results: The prevalence of overweight and obesity among adoloscents was 19.2%. The prevalence of overweight alone is 12.4% and obesity is 6.8%. Modifiable dietary factors are significantly associated with overweight/obesity. Conclusion: There is significant association between consumption of sweets, egg, meat, and snacks and prevalence of overweight / obesity. Keywords: Overweight, Obesity, Body Mass Index.