Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The prevalence of childhood obesity has been dramatically increasing worldwide. This study was performed to examine the prevalence and etiological factors of obesity in children aged 6-12 years and to investigate the relative contribution of exogenous factors with respect to sociodemographic data. METHODS: A total of 5368 children aged 6-12 years in eight urban elementary schools located in Bursa, the fourth largest city of Turkey, were included in this cross-sectional study. A dietary record for three days and a questionnaire for the assessment of socio-economic and demographic parameters were completed by the parents at home. The height and weight of the children were measured and relative weight and body mass index (BMI) were calculated. RESULTS: The prevalence of overweight, obesity and severe obesity according to BMI were 12.4%, 7.8% and 2.2%, respectively. The female/male ratio among obese children was 1.24. Eighty percent of obese children had one or both parents obese. Age, gender, presence of obesity in parents, higher educational level of the parents, consumption of soft beverages such as soda and juice, physical activity level and higher income of the family were found as the contributing factors to obesity. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of obesity is increasing in Turkey in parallel to the trend in many countries. There are consistent and predictable sociodemographic parameters that are associated with or may impose a risk factor for obesity. Identification of these risk factors will provide areas to target in the prevention and management of this common problem.