Overweight, obesity and related risk factors among primary and middle school students of Han ethnicity in Sichuan Province

Objective To understand the prevalence of overweight and obesity and risk factors among primary and middle school students of Han ethnicity in Sichuan and to provide a scientific basis for obesity prevention.Methods A total of 7 200 students in primary and middle schools were selected by cluster random sampling method in three areas of varied economic level in Sichuan province.Height and weight were measured according to "National Student Physical Fitness and Health Survey" standard,body mass index (BMI) was calculated to evaluate overweight and obesity.Questionnaire surveys were conducted among students from grade four.Results The prevalence rate of overweight and obesity was 9.2% and 3.8%,decreasing with age.Male,urban areas,pupil,high household socioeconomic status,feeling tired at PE lessons were risk factors of overweight and obesity,with the odds ratio (95%CI) being 1.613(1.376-1.890),1.818(1.538-2.151),1.307(1.075-1.588),1.703(1.365-2.124),1.490(1.019 -2.179).Conclusion The prevalence of overweight and obesity among Han ethnicity students in Sichuan province is relatively low compared with national level,however,regional differences are distinct.Social economic level,feelings at PE lessons and so on are the risk factors of overweight and obesity.