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March 14, 2026Bulletin of Faculty of Physical Therapy0 citationsOpen Access

Patterns and risk factors of childhood overweight and obesity in Ile-Ife, Nigeria

JOJoseph Gbenga OmoleRARufus Adesoji AdedoyinOGOlajumoke Azeezat Gbadebo

Key Points

  • The study aims to assess the prevalence and risk factors of overweight and obesity among primary school children in Nigeria.
  • Analyzed data from 219 primary school children in Ile-Ife, Nigeria.
  • Measured body mass index (BMI) and skinfold thickness to assess obesity.
  • Compared data between private and public school attendees to evaluate socioeconomic influences.
  • 10% of children were classified as overweight and 5% as obese.
  • Higher rates of overweight and obesity were found among girls and private school children.
  • Significant differences in skinfold thickness were observed between genders, indicating fat distribution patterns.
  • Private school attendees showed greater adiposity and BMI compared to public school counterparts.

Abstract

Childhood obesity is an emerging worldwide public health issue that crosses both poor and wealthy. The excess weight seen today posed significant health threat. The study examined the prevalence of overweight and obesity in Nigerian primary school children. There were 219 students, with a slight female preponderance and and participants recruited from private and public schools. The results indicated that 10% were overweight and 5% were obese, with high rates among girls and private school children. Although the mean Body Mass Index (BMI) of both groups was not significantly different p > 0,05, skinfold thickness was much higher in females, which indicated gender-specific fat distribution patterns. Compared to their public-school counterparts, children who attended private schools, tend to be linked with higher SES, had significantly greater adiposity and levels of BMI p < 0.01. Private schools pupils have significant higher overweight and obesity than public schools p < 0.025 and p < 0,35 respectively.

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Cite This Study

Omole et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/69b4fa6fb39f7826a300b27dhttps://doi.org/10.1186/s43161-026-00343-0
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