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Overweight status in Indian children: Prevalence and psychosocial correlates

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Abstract

Objective

To examine the association between overweight status and psycho-social risk factors in Indian children.

Methods

Data from India’s nationally-representative Global School-based Student Health Survey were analyzed using SPSS for all participating students (n=8130, 58% males).

Results

The likelihood of being overweight was significantly higher for children with fewer friends (OR=1.16, 95%CI=1.13–1.18) or friends who were not kind or helpful, children with symptoms of depression (OR=1.20, 95%CI=1.03–1.39) and anxiety (OR=1.09, 95%CI=1.07–1.15), children with little parental involvement (OR=1.06, 95%CI=1.02–1.10), and children who felt lonely or missed school days without permission.

Conclusions

Psychosocial distress in overweight Indian children warrants comprehensive interventions for screening and treatment of pediatric obesity.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Physiology and Health Science, Ball State University, Muncie, Indiana, USA

    Jagdish Khubchandani & Denise Seabert

  2. Dietetic Technician Program, LaGuardia Community College, New York, USA

    Nicolle Fernandes

  3. Department of Education, Health Services Program, University of Southern Indiana, Evansville, Indiana, USA

    Swateja Nimkar

Authors
  1. Nicolle Fernandes
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  2. Jagdish Khubchandani
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  3. Denise Seabert
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  4. Swateja Nimkar
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Jagdish Khubchandani.

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Fernandes, N., Khubchandani, J., Seabert, D. et al. Overweight status in Indian children: Prevalence and psychosocial correlates. Indian Pediatr 52, 131–134 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13312-015-0587-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13312-015-0587-0

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