PREVALENCE OF PHYSICAL INACTIVITY AND OBESITY AMONG SCHOOL GOING CHILDREN IN SINDH, PAKISTAN

Abstract

Purpose:

This study aims to determine the prevalence of physical inactivity and obesity among school-going children in Sindh, Pakistan. Given the growing concerns about childhood obesity and its association with sedentary behaviors and limited physical activity, this research addresses the question: What is the prevalence of physical inactivity and obesity among school students, and how does the absence of physical education contribute to these issues?

Methods:

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 400 randomly selected students from schools in Tando Muhammad Khan and Nawabshah, Sindh. Participants included students from 7th to 10th grade, with data collected on their physical activity levels, participation in physical education classes, and body mass index (BMI). BMI was used to categorize children into normal weight, overweight, and obese categories.

Results:

The study revealed that a majority of the children engaged in minimal physical activity. Notably, 2.5% of students were classified as obese, while 10.3% were overweight. The majority of children reported a lack of regular physical education classes, which likely contributes to their low levels of physical activity and increased sedentary behavior.

Conclusion:

The findings highlight the need for increased emphasis on physical education in schools to combat rising obesity rates and promote healthier lifestyles among children. Schools should be prioritized as key settings for health promotion and physical activity interventions to address the growing issue of childhood obesity in Pakistan.