Correlation between Nutritional Behavior, Obesity, and Overweight in Female Elementary School Students in Anzali

Prevalence of obesity and overweight is higher among females than males studying in Iranian elementary school students. Unhealthy food habits have been nominated as a risk factor for obesity. This study aimed to investigate correlation between nutritional behavior, overweight, and obesity in female students of elementary school in Anzali in 2016.
In this descriptive-correlational study, 210 female elementary school students were randomly selected by double stages sampling in 10 schools. Data were collected by a researcher-designed questionnaire including demographic data and nutritional behavior with three sections: nutritional condition, nutritional habits and food classification. Anthropometric measurment were done by scales and meterbar. Content validity and relablity of questionnaire was evaluated and confirmed by 10 experts from school of health and Cronbach's alpha index (a= 0.75). Data were analyzed with SPSS (ver 16) using chi-square, correlation and fisher tests.
There was a significant correlation between elimination of main meals, obesity and overweight (p Because the nutritional behavior of female elementary school is related to obesity and being overweight; therefore using healthy foods in main meals and elimination of eating unhealthy and junk food is essential.