Prevalence of overweight and obesity in schoolchildren in Tebessa [Algeria] between 1998 and 2005

Abstract

We studied the prevalence of obesity and overweight in schoolchildren aged 5-8 years in Tebessa, Algeria between 1998 and 2005. All schoolchildren in 5 primary schools [‎n = 3396]‎ were included. Age, sex, height and weight were recorded. For classification of obesity and overweight the International Obesity Task Force definitions was used. The prevalence of obesity and overweight for the total sample was 6.36% and fell from 7.44% in 1998 to 5.81% in 2005. The prevalence of obesity was higher in girls than boys [‎1.58% vs 1.26%]‎ [‎P =0.430]‎ while the prevalence of overweight was higher in boys than girls [‎5.60% vs 4.18%]‎ [‎P = 0.057]‎