Relationship between obesity and nutritional behavior among high-school girls in Kerman

Objective (s): The prevalence of obesity has increased in both developed and developing countries. Childhood and adolescent obesity can lead to serious medical complications such as hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cancer in later years of life. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between obesity and some nutritional behavior. Methods: This was a case-control study. Through multi-stage random sampling, 84 obese girls were selected as cases and 253 non-obese girls from the same age and grade as control. Obesity was defined as having a BMI equal to or greater than 95lh centile. Weights and heights were measured to an accuracy of O. l kg, using digital scales and non-stretchable tape (Seca) with minimum clothing. We used a questionnaire 10 collect data on nutritional behavior. Results: There was a statistically significant greater frequency of eating meals and snacks during the day in controls (P=0/0001, P=0/003). Weekly frequency of eating breakfast was smaller in cases but the difference was not significant. There was no difference between the two groups in variables such as eating out, food preference, speed of eating and doing something else while eating. Conclusion: It seems that there is a relationship between obesity among school students and their nutritional behaviors.