Identification of Family Risk Factors of Obesity in Urban Adolescents of North India

Background: Obesity in rising in the adolescent population of India. The third National Family Health Survey (NFHS-3) national family health survey (NFHS-3) of India revealed increasing obesity in north Indian states more than other parts of the country. Family plays a key role in shaping young adolescents. There is a paucity of literature regarding family risk factors for adolescent obesity in the north Indian population. Study Design: Cross-sectional survey type study. Methodology: A total sample of 5993 school going adolescents (10-19 years of age) was taken into the study from urban area of Ambala district, Haryana, India. The data were collected using self reporting questionnaires. Various questions were used to evaluate the parental demographic factors: parents' education, parents' occupation, family income and obesity in the family. Anthropometric measurements such as height and weight of each student were measured and documented. Statistical evaluation was done by Chi-square (χ2) test to analyze the differences between proportions. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Overall prevalence of obesity was 2.4%. Prevalence of obesity was highest in the 16-19 yrs age group (4.4%). Parental obesity, high literacy and high income of parents were significantly associated with adolescent obesity. Conclusions: Adolescent obesity is influenced by parental obesity, socioeconomic status of family and increase in age.