Study of the Prevalence of Obesity and Knowledge of Lar High School Students about Obesity Related Diseases in Larestan in 2009: A Short Report

Obesity is known as a risk factor of chronic diseases. It is very important to educate the students about the prevention of obesity. The main aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of obesity and knowledge of high school students of Larestan from obesity related diseases. In this descriptive- analytic study 278 students were selected from Larestan high school centers by stratified sampling. Weight and height and BMI were measured by using a standard protocol. The knowledge of students was measured by a questionnaire. Data were analyzed with SPSS by descriptive- analytic statistics. The results showed that the mean of BMI was in normal range. Thirty one point one percent of the students were underweight, 53.2% had normal weight, 10.1% were overweight and 3.6% were obese. BMI mean in students with positive history of obesity in their family was higher than students with negative history of obesity in their family. Seventy eight point nine persent had a little knowledge about obesity related diseases. As there were some degree of malnutrition in these students and little knowledge of obesity related disease, launching nutritional education programs and life style modification programs are recommended.