ASSESSMENT OF INDIVIDUAL, BEHAVIORAL, AND ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS INFLUENCING OVERWEIGHT/ OBESITY DEVELOPMENT IN CHILDREN AGED 10-14 YEARS

Objective: Childhood obesity has emerged as a pressing global public health issue. This study aims to examine the influence of individual, behavioral, and environmental factors on student body mass index (BMI), thereby contributing to a deeper understanding of the multifaceted determinants of obesity among children. Material and Method: This study employed a crosssectional survey using a structured questionnaire to collect sociodemographic, physical activity, and dietary behavior data of students. In addition, the study administered a school information form to evaluate the physical condition of school buildings and quality of school canteen services. Result: Among the students, 24% and 13% were in the overweight and obese categories, respectively. Mean student age was 12.41 +/- 1.13 years. The mean ages of students with obesity were significantly lower than those of students who were underweight or had normal weight. The distribution of student BMI according to obesity status among family members was statistically highly significant. Among students with obesity, the families of 30.1% were obese, whereas this percentage was 8.9% in families of students without obesity. The relationship between gender, age, family history of obesity, time spent watching TV, physical activity duration, canteen shopping frequency, and BMI distributions was significant. Mean distance between school and home was higher in the underweight/normal weight group than the other two groups. However, this difference did not reach statistical significance (p>0.05). Conclusion: Addressing childhood obesity requires a holistic approach encompassing various interventions targeting individual behaviors, environmental influences, and societal norms. By promoting physical activity, regulating food environments, and providing education on healthy diets, we can work together to combat the epidemic of childhood obesity, and promote the health and wellbeing of future generations.