Prevalence of obesity and influencing factors among high school students in Zonguldak city center

Materials and Methods: Our study is a cross-sectional descriptive research. A total of 655 high school students were included in the study. The research data were collected through face-to-face surveys. The survey was developed based on a literature review on obesity, and the 17-item Family Belonging Scale was used. Results: The participants consist of 39.5% female and 60.5% male students. The average age of the students was 15.6±0.9 (minimum 14, maximum 17) years. The extended International Obesity Task Force cut-off points were used for body mass index classification. It was found that 7.6% of the participants were underweight, 68.5% were normal weight, 11.8% were overweight, and 12.1% were obese. The prevalence of overweight was 10.4% in girls and 12.6% in boys, while the prevalence of obesity was 13.5% in girls and 11.1% in boys. A higher number of main meals per day, higher number of snacks per day, frequent eating out per week, and having the habit of eating before bed were found to be associated with obesity. Of the students participating in the study, 67.6% (n=443) described their relationship with their family as 'good' The students average score on the Family Belonging Scale was found to be 67.10±11.23 (minimum 19, maximum 85). No significant difference was found between students Family Belonging scale scores and family relationships in relation to obesity prevalence. Conclusion: As a result, in this study, the prevalence of obesity and overweight in adolescents was found to be notably high. To prevent obesity before it emerges, it would be beneficial to implement effective intervention programs starting from childhood. Key Words: overweight, obesity, high school students, prevalence, risk factors