Prevalence and risk factors associated with obesity in children and adolescents in an isolated rural district

Abstract

The prevalence of childhood overweight and obesity is growing in Brazil and around the world, influenced by genetic, behavioral, environmental, and social determinants. Objective: To evaluate the prevalence of overweight and obesity in children and adolescents in an isolated rural district and identify its determinants. Methods: Cross-sectional, quantitative, descriptive, and analytical study evaluating the anthropometric and sociodemographic data of students and their parents from the only (municipal) elementary school in an isolated rural district in a municipality in the State of São Paulo. Results: The prevalence of excess weight observed was 33.3% (overweight 9.5%, and obesity 23.8%), higher than the national average (14.1% for obesity). No difference was observed in the prevalence of obesity between male and female genders. The risk of obesity increases with age. The prevalence of obesity was positively associated with greater consumption of
fried foods and carbohydrates and negatively with the consumption of fruits and vegetables. No correlation was observed with hours of physical activity or time spent in front of screens (TV and cell phones). Families with overweight mothers or fathers are more likely to have overweight or obese children. Overweight fathers and mothers have a higher prevalence of high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Conclusions: Obesity in children and adolescents in this isolated rural district is higher than the national average. It is associated with families whose parents are also overweight and excessive consumption of fried foods and carbohydrates.