Determinants of overweight and obesity among urban school-going children and adolescents: a case-control study in Bangladesh

: Background Childhood overweight and obesity is a major public health concern all over the world. Overweight or obese children have a higher risk of becoming obese in adulthood and are at higher risk of associated chronic diseases. Objective The aim of this study was to determine the risk factors associated with overweight and obesity among urban school children and adolescents in Bangladesh. Materials and methods A case-control study was conducted among students aged 10-16 years in 10 schools of Dhaka city. A structured questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographic information and students' exposure to various risk factors. Data were analyzed by using SPSS 23. Results Family income (p = 0.000), mother's weight (p = 0.036), school activity (p = 0.046), total physical activity (p = 0.008), sedentary activities (p = 0.014), eating fast food (0.008) and cakes/biscuits (p = 0.018) were found as potential determinants of overweight and obesity of children and adolescents. A multiple logistic regression revealed family income >50,000 per month [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 3.07, p = 0.001], no physical activity (AOR = 38.3, p = 0.004), more than 4 h of sedentary activities (AOR = 4.84, p = 0.02), regular consumption of fast food (AOR = 3.05, p = 0.042) are risk factors associated with childhood overweight/obesity. Whereas, having a normal weight mother (AOR = 0.51, p = 0.037) and eating cakes/biscuits less than 3 days a week (AOR = 0.33, p = 0.02) were found as protective factors. Conclusion Findings from this study will be very useful for public health professionals to increase awareness regarding risk factors of overweight and obesity, in order to reduce the future burden of obesity-associated chronic diseases.