No abstract

BACKGROUND Overweight and obesity are recognized as an escalating epidemic affecting both developed and developing countries. Body Mass Index (BMI) is promulgated by WHO as the most useful epidemiological measure of obesity. Obesity is one of the most important modifiable risk factors in pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Studies have indicated that Indians are highly susceptible to diabetes even with modest overweight, central obesity and physical inactivity. The objectives of this study were-1. to determine the relation between body mass index and fasting blood sugar 2. to determine the factors influencing childhood obesity and type 2 diabetes. MATERIALS AND METHODS After obtaining consent from the school authorities and parents, details of the children were collected. Weight, height and fasting blood sugar of the children were measured. Body Mass Index was calculated. The data was analysed statistically. RESULTS The prevalence of overweight was 14.8% and obesity was 9.0%. There is a positive correlation between Body Mass Index and Fasting Blood Sugar with a r value of 0.826 and a p value of 0.0001. Socioeconomic status and TV watching time have a positive influence on Body Mass Index. Family history of type 2 Diabetes Mellitus has a positive correlation with Body Mass Index and Fasting Blood Sugar.