Abstract:
Overweight and obesity in children below the age of 12 years and young individuals is a global public health
issue. Obese children are more likely to stay obese in their adult years and are at higher risk of developing noncommunicable
diseases and disabilities. To assess the prevalence and associated factors of overweight and obesity in young individuals in Southern Sri
Lanka. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 2073 individuals in Southern Sri Lanka, using a selfadministered
questionnaire. Overweight and obesity related factors were analyzed in a subsample of 401 young
indi viduals aged between 15-24 years. Overweight and obesity were defined using Sri Lankan standards. Those
who had BMI (kg/h2) between 22.9 -27.5 and above 27.5 were defined as overweight and obese respectively.
Diet was assed using questions on the consumption of vegetables, fruits, fast food and sugary drinks during a
week. Physical activity was assed using the number of days a week involved in moderate and rigorous exercise. Among the participants 51.6% were females, and mean age was 20.6 (££>±2.2) years. Among females,
prevalence of underweight, overweight and obesity was 37.7%, 14.0% and 5.8% respectively. The
corresponding figures for males were 39.2%, 13.4% and 2.1% respectively. The prevalence of obesity was
higher in females compared to males (p=0.05). Age and sex matched normal (n=71) and overweight /obese
(n=71) subjects were compared and in both females and males, prevalence of physically active life style was
higher in normal subjects compared to overweight/obese, but a significant difference was found only in males
(p<0.01). No significant associations were found between overweight/obesity and consumption of fast foods,
sugary drinks, vegetables and fruits.
