The prevalence of overweight and its risk factors among adolescents in an urban city in Edo State.

INTRODUCTION The prevalence of overweight is rising even in countries with significant rates of undernutrition. This is exacerbated by westernization of lifestyles and the image of prosperity associated with overweight. Children are not spared and the health consequences may become apparent in the near future. This study assessed the prevalence of overweight among adolescents in an urban city in a developing country. METHODOLOGY This cross-sectional study conducted from September to December 2005 involved 300 adolescents selected by cluster sampling in Benin-city, Nigeria. Overweight and risk of overweight were defined as Body mass index (BMI)-for-age > or = 95th percentile and BMI-for-age 85th to < 95th percentile respectively. RESULTS Of the participants, 5.7% were overweight while 52.7% were at risk of overweight. Risk factors of overweight identified were consumption of snacks (64.3%), soft drinks (85.7%) and physical inactivity (69.7%). Being overweight was significantly associated with consumption of snacks, soft drinks, physical inactivity and positive family history of obesity, (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION The high prevalence of risk factors for overweight suggests that the already high prevalence of overweight will increase in the near future. Preventive measures are required to forestall this increase.