Prevalence and Awareness of Obesity Among Adolescents in Punjab: A Cross-Sectional Study

Dr. Varinder Kaur, Dr. Shama Loumi

Abstract: Background: Childhood obesity has emerged as a major global public health concern, affecting both developed and developing countries. Rapid urbanization, sedentary lifestyles, unhealthy dietary habits, and increased consumption of calorie-dense foods have significantly contributed to the rising prevalence of overweight and obesity among children and adolescents. Objectives: a) To assess the prevalence of obesity among high school students b) To assess the level of knowledge regarding the ill-effects of obesity and its prevention c) To determine the association between obesity and selected socio-demographic variables d) To determine the association between knowledge regarding obesity and selected socio-demographic variables e) To provide guidelines on prevention of obesity and its ill-effects. Methods: A descriptive, non-experimental research design was adopted. The study was conducted among 620 high school students (9th and 10th standard, aged 12?17 years) from selected government and private schools of district Hoshiarpur, Punjab. Random sampling technique was used. Data were collected using a standardized Body Mass Index (BMI) tool and a self-structured questionnaire to assess knowledge regarding obesity, its ill-effects, and prevention. Reliability of the knowledge questionnaire was established using split-half technique (r = 0.8). Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: Out of 620 students, 68.5% had normal BMI, 18.7% were underweight, 10.8% were overweight, and 1.9% were obese. Regarding knowledge, 49.4% of students had good knowledge, 41.1% had average knowledge, and 9.5% had poor knowledge about obesity. Significant associations (p < 0.05) were found between obesity and age, father?s occupation, father?s education, monthly family income, mode of transportation, and type of school. Knowledge regarding obesity was significantly associated with parental occupation, parental education, family income, type of games, mode of transportation, and type of school. Conclusion: Although the prevalence of obesity was comparatively low, a considerable proportion of students were overweight. Despite nearly half of the students demonstrating good knowledge regarding obesity, lifestyle and socio-demographic factors continue to influence obesity prevalence. Early preventive strategies focusing on lifestyle modification, physical activity promotion, and school-based health education are essential.

Keywords: Childhood obesity, BMI, Awareness, Adolescents, High school students, Punjab

How to Cite?: Dr. Varinder Kaur, Dr. Shama Loumi, "Prevalence and Awareness of Obesity Among Adolescents in Punjab: A Cross-Sectional Study", Volume 15 Issue 2, February 2026, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 78-81, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR26130140559, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR26130140559