Prevalence and factors associated to overweight and obesity in public schools

This study assessed the association between environmental factors and the prevalence of overweight and obesity in public schools. It was studied 480 students, by means of anthropometric measurements evaluation, weight and height--BMI by sex and age and in accordance with the parameters of WHO and IOTF. Environmental information was obtained using a questionnaire applied to students. The Epi Info Program, version 3.3.2, was used to data collection and analysis. Prevalence rates of obesity varied according to the criteria it was used. According to the IOTF, prevalence of obesity was 7.1%, while, according parameters of the WHO, the prevalence was 18%. The significant risk factor for obesity was the father obesity (PR = 1.08; CI: 0.57-2.04). We concluded that the nutritional profile of the school serves as a subsidy for tracking trends of overweight in this group. This study could instruct the rationalization of the use of the time and public financial resources, proving the need to invest in the school feeding and in the health students.