Overweight and obesity in association with diet and physical activity among school going children aged 10-12 years in Nakuru municipality, Kenya

Abstract

Unconfirmed reports suggest increasing levels of obesity and chronic diseases related to overnutrition among urban children in Kenya. This poses the problem of the double burden of disease and malnutrition, which if not addressed in time, will overwhelm the economy of a developing country such as Kenya. This increases the need to elucidate information on the extent and context of obesity among urban children in Kenya. A cross-sectional comparative study was undertaken to assess the prevalence of overweight and obesity among school going children aged 10-12 years in Nakuru Municipality, in association with diet and physical activity. The study population comprised 266 children, 176 from six public schools and 90 from three private schools aged 10-12 years. The prevalence of obesity and overweight among the children was determined using Body Mass Index. Data was also collected on socio demographic information and level of activity using a general questionnaire and dietary practices using food frequency questionnaire. Data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences. Categorical data was analyzed using chi square, while association between overweight and obesity and their predisposing factors were assessed using Pearson's correlation. Statistical significance was set at p<O.OS. The prevalence of overweight and obesity was 11.9% and 3.4% in the public schools respectively and 16.7% and 10% respectively in the private schools. A moderate positive relationship between school status and BMI results (r=0.28, p=O.OO)was observed. Prevalence of overweight and obesity was higher among the girls than the boys (x~9.038,p=0.0IS). The respondents occupied most of their time with sedentary activities. A higher percentage of non-overweight children were found to engage in activities that were either moderate or vigorous during their physical education lessons and also during free time. Those children who did not participate in vigorous activities were significantly more overweight and obese than those who did (J.1.=7.025,p=0.04). Television advertising did influence the children's choice of food and snacks. Significantly more of those who were overweight and obese were found to list calorie laden foods as their favourite ({J.'-=8.078,p=O.OOl) as compared to those who were not overweight. Frequency of consumption of high calorie foods was positively correlated to the children's BMI (r=0.51, p=O.OO).Overweight and obese children consumed fruits, vegetables, legumes and root tubers significantly less frequently than their non obese counterparts. In conclusion, the prevalence of overweight and obesity among school going children, particularly private schools, in Nakuru Municipality is higher than the proportion of 10% expected in a healthy population and does raise an alarm. The factors contributing to this problem include frequent consumption of foods laden with saturated fat and sugar and less consumption of fruits, vegetables and foods high in fibre, as well as low levels of physical activity among the children. It is therefore recommended that children as well as their parents and teachers be provided with information concerning health eating habits and physical activity. Regular physical exercise, weight loss, change of sedentary life-style and proper dieting are hereby advocated, with policies on advertising put in place to curd promotion of unhealthy products targeted at children.