Assessment Of The Modifiable Risk Factors Contributing To Obesity In Adolescents Of Different Socioeconomic Groups

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the modifiable risk factors associated with obesity in adolescents
belonging to different socioeconomic groups.
Material & Methods: This comparative study was carried out in urban district of Lahore. Atotal
of 270 adolescents 13-15 years of age were recruited, 90 each from upper, middle and lower
socioeconomic groups (based on the school fee). Calorie intake, physical activity and hours of
television viewing and computer usage was determined by a self administered questionnaire.
Results: There was statistically significant difference regarding daily calorie intake of the upper
middle and lower socioeconomic groups (F=4.588, df=2, p<0.05). There was no significant
difference in hours of physical activity per day in the upper, middle and lower socioeconomic
groups (F=1.997, df=2, p>0.05). There was a statistically significant difference in the hours of
television watching and computer use per day in the upper, middle and lower socioeconomic
groups (F=9.491, df=2, p<0.05)
Conclusion: Calorie intake was influenced by socioeconomic status being highest in upper
socioeconomic group followed by the lower socioeconomic group and was lowest in the middle
socioeconomic group. There was no difference in the hours of physical activity per day in the
upper, middle and lower socioeconomic groups. Hours of television watching and computer use
per day was influenced by socioeconomic status being highest in the upper socioeconomic group
followed by middle and then lowest in the lower socioeconomic group