Prevalence of underweight overweight and obesity among primary school children in Qatar

Abstract EN

A cross-sectional stratified cluster sample of 4291 I children (2187 boys and 2104 girls) aged 6 to18 years j attending primary public schools in Qatar was used to ! determine the prevalence of underweight, overweight and obesity among primary school children in Qatar using BMI as an indicator.

Structured questionnaires were used to obtain socio-demographic data.

Anthro-pometric measures were taken by trained nurse.

The study revealed a high prevalence of underweight and obesity among Qatari children, with both conditions implicating adverse short and long-term health ef¬fects.

The prevalence of underweight (BMI < 5 % of CDC standard for ageand sex) was 14.6 %, overweight (BMI 85 % to 95 %) was 11.6 % and obesity (BMI > 95 %) was 14.7 % (95 % confidence level).

The prevalence of overweight and obesity was higher in girls (28.7 %) than boys (24 %) but was similar in Qatari (26.4 %) and non-Qatari children (26.2 %).

The prevalence of both underweight (1 5.6 %) and obesity (15.8 %) were considerably higher in Qatari children.