Determination of The Primary Reasons For Overweight and Obesity Among First Grade Elementary School Students in Shiraz During The Academic Year 2010-2011

The epidemic peak of obesity and overweight began in 1980. Obesity during childhood and adolescence, particularly in the second decade of life, is a strong predictor of obesity in adulthood. The significant risk factors for obesity and overweight in childhood include breastfeeding, obese parents, socioeconomic status, birth weight, physical activities and diet. Breastfeeding is one of the most important strategies for weight loss and reduction in childhood obesity. The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between overweight, obesity, breastfeeding patterns and birth weight among first grade elementary school students in Shiraz, Iran. This case-control study included 200 obese (case group) and 200 normal weight (control group) children. A sample size of 400 children was determined. Study participants were selected from among elementary schools in Shiraz by multistage sampling. First, schools were chosen according to a stratified random sampling method. Then, we chose all overweight or obese first grade students. For each case, we chose a control student matched in terms of age, sex, grade and elementary school. The General Information Questionnaire, Socioeconomic Questionnaire, Questionnaire of Breastfeeding during Infancy, Physical Activity Questionnaire and 24-Hour Dietary Recall Questionnaire were completed. Mothers’ height and weight were also measured. Data analysis was carried out by SPSSversion 15. Obesity and overweight in first grade elementary school students is related to breastfeeding pattern; however, this may not be an independent relationship. There was a significant difference in breastfeeding duration between the case and control groups. No relationship was found among birth weight, overweight and obesity in the case group. Mother’s body mass index (BMI) and obesity in immediate family members showed a significant difference between case and control groups. There was no significant difference in the socioeconomic status of the two groups.