Investigation on Obesity in Government School Children In Ivatuba-Pr, Brazil

  • Ana Paula Presa Centro Universitário de Maringá - CESUMAR
  • Izabella Cristina Ortega Magrine Centro Universitário de Maringá - CESUMAR
Keywords: Children, Prevalence, Obesity, Overweight

Abstract

Obesity is currently considered a major public health issue, especially the fact that it is actually highly common in childhood. Current research verifies the percentage of obese children in a municipal school in Ivatuba PR Brazil. Weight and height anthropometric measurements were performed on 84 school children (42 boys and 42 girls) (42+42=84). Body Mass Index rates higher than or equal to percentile 85 and lower than percentile 95 were employed to determine overweight. Body Mass Index rates higher than or equal to percentile 95 indicated obesity. Overweight index among girls (8.70%) was less than the obesity rate (11.96%); obesity index among boys (16.30%) was lower than overweight (17.39%). Predominance of overweight and obesity together was higher in males (33.69%) than in females (20.66%). A significant difference (p=0.302) was reported. Early prevention activities are required due to the association between excess of body fat and harmful effects on health.

Author Biographies

Ana Paula Presa, Centro Universitário de Maringá - CESUMAR
Centro Universitário de Maringá – CESUMAR; E-mail: ledamazio@hotmail.com
Izabella Cristina Ortega Magrine, Centro Universitário de Maringá - CESUMAR
Centro Universitário de Maringá - CESUMAR
Published
2013-02-08
Section
Promoção da Saúde