The highest prevalence rates of childhood obesity have been observed in
developed countries, however, its prevalence is increasing in developing countries as well. To
assess the prevalence of obesity and overweight among Libyan children aged from 3 to 19
years and to estimate risk factors of obesity and overweight, defined by body mass index
(BMI). A retrospective study was carried out in (245) Libyan children (93 males, 152
females) were recruited with age ranging from (3-19yrs), at Tripoli pediatric central hospitalLibya during the 12 months commencing July 2014. The questionnaire including questions
related to socioeconomic status, lifestyle (eating habits), anthropometric measurements were
performed by trained nutritionist or physical education teachers, Body mass index (BMI) was
calculated using the formula: weight (kg)/height(m2
). Two hundred and forty five Libyan
children participated in this study. Prevalence of overweight and obesity as a whole was
higher in girls (26.1%) than boys (19.2%). More details in results with respect to both risk
factors Socioeconomic level Status (SELS), and fast food meals were obtained. This study
found a relatively high prevalence of overweight and obesity among Libyan children aged 3-
19 years, and alarming for both sex. Eating habits like fast food meals remarkable effect on
prevalence on overweight and obesity among low to high SELS group. The study also
suggested that under nutrition rates remain a problem in children. Therefore special attention
has to give for their overall nutrition.
Keywords: Obesity, Overweight, Body Mass Index (BMI), Risk factor

 

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