Overweight and Obesity among Adolescents in Kano, Nigeria

Background: Childhood and adolescent obesity is a global public health concern because of associated increased risk of cardiovascular diseases later in life. Although there are several studies on childhood obesity in Nigeria, few have assessed it in adolescents. Objectives: This study intends to assess the prevalence of overweight and obesity in adolescents in urban northern Nigeria. Method: A cross sectional school based survey was conducted to determine the prevalence of overweight and obesity. Stratified sampling was used to select 718 students. Their weight and height were measured and used to compute the Body Mass Index (BMI). Overweight and obesity were defined using the International Obesity Task Force (IOTF). Results: The prevalence of obesity and overweight were 0.84% and 1.98% respectively; with advancing age as a risk factor for both overweight and obesity. Multivariate logistic regression showed that the risk of overweight was almost two times higher with advancing age adjusted odds ratio of {1.79} with a p-value of { 0.03} and C.I. { 1.05 - 3.09}, adjusted for gender and school type. Conclusion: The data suggest the prevalence of overweight and obesity are low, and that advancing age is a risk factor for obesity.