Abstract:

                         Obesity is increasing rapidly in developing countries due to the change in the life-style. Reduced physical activity and confinement to one place or long sitting hours are a part of the routine. This is mainly due to the technological development – computers and internet, mobiles, video games and television, reducing the physical activities of the children. Physical activity helps to burn calories. It also helps to reduce body fat and control weight, in turn prevents the occurrence of obesity. In this study, school going children (n=500) between the age group of 12 to 14 years were randomly chosen. Measurements taken were height and weight. BMI were deduced from height and weight. The after school activities of the selected subjects were evaluated. Data revealed very poor physical activities like outdoor games and more time were spent on sedentary activities like sitting and watching television, tuitions and playing mobile games. This was clearly indicated on analyzing BMI of the subjects. Prevalence of overweight was found to be 23% among boys and 26% among girls whereas the prevalence of obesity was 9% in boys and 6% in girls. Put together, over weight and obesity was noticed among 24% and 8% of the children respectively. The study  suggest that the prevalence of overweight and obesity is markedly seen among school going children as the sedentary activities have crept in to the after school hours and it is imperative to create an awareness among school going children on the importance of physical activities like games and sports and exercise.

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