الفهرس 
IntroductionOnly 14 pages are availabe for public view
 |  | from | 170 |  |  |
| | | from | 170 | | |
Abstract
Childhood obesity has more than tripled in the past 30 years. The prevalence of obesity among children aged 6 to 11 years increased from 6.5% in 1980 to 19.6% in 2008. The prevalence of obesity in all age groups has increased dramatically over the past 30 years, such that overweight and obesity are considered to be a major public health concern in many countries.
Body Mass Index (BMI) is generally agreed to be the most appropriate proxy measure for defining and diagnosis childhood obesity.
The causes of obesity are multifactorial, and range from purely genetic conditions, to entirely environmental conditions it is however. certain that obesity can only occur when energy intake remains greater than energy expenditure for a long period of time.
Obesity is associated with physical problems, such as hypertension, coronary arteriosclerosis, elevated cholesterol, type 2 diabetes Joint problems and certain types of cancers. Psychologically it is associated with several problems, such as decreased self-image, anxiety and depression, which are related to somatic and psychological symptoms. Therefore, identification and management of obesity must start during childhood and adolescence.
As recommended by American Academy of pediatrics, pediatricians should support both control and prevension of these risk factors in children via life style modification.
The aim of this work was to determine the prevalence of obesity among children of primary school in Menoufyia Government ”Berket El - sabae District”.
This study was conducted 3500 Egyptian children; 1846 females (52.7%) and 1654 males (47.3%). Their ages ranged from 6 to 12 years. It was conducted to determine the prevalence of obesity among children of primary school in Menoufyia Government ”Berket El sabae District”.
Our patients were subjected to:
A .History taking:
- Personal data (name, age, sex, residence and special habits).
- Assessment of socioeconomic standard of family with questions about the father’s education and occupation, mother’s education and occupation and family income.
B. Physical examination with special emphasis on anthropometric measurements including:
- Weight.
- Height.
- BMI.
Results of this study showed that:
Female children tend to have significant more weight, height and BMI means than male sex. Children from rural have less weight and BMI means than those in urban areas. Weight and BMI means are significantly higher in high socioeconomic level and in children of private schools.
Regarding height/age z-score, female children and those from urban areas significantly have more negative deviations from mean than other children.
Regarding weight/age z-score, female children, from urban area and children from higher socioeconomic level have significant more positive deviations from mean than other children.
Regarding BMI z-score, female children, from urban area and children from higher socioeconomic levels and private schools have significant more positive deviations from mean than other children.
Regarding height and BMI, children at ages of 10 and 11 years tend to have significant deviations around mean than other age classes in the form of lower height z-scores and higher BMI z-scores. Obesity is significantly more prevalent in urban, higher socioeconomic standards and private schools.
from the study it was concluded that children of high socioeconomic level more obese than other children and we recommend that another researches to be done in more different places in Menoufyia govemorate and other govemorates to compare the results with each other.
By the end of this study, it is recommended that :-
• There is an urgent need to spread awareness about obesity, its consequences, ways and means of prevention especially among young and their families, through promoting healthy eating and physical activities,
• Promote healthy eating patterns by offering nutritious snacks, such as vegetables and fruits, low-fat dairy foods, and whole grains; encouraging children’s autonomy in self-regulation of food intake and setting appropriate limits on choices; and modeling healthy food choice.
• Routinely promote physical activity, including unstructured play at home, in school, in child care settings, and throughout the community.