Assessing The Prevalence Level Of Obesity Among Adolescents In Second-Cycle Institutions Within Kumasi Metropolis

Abstract

Obesity has become a key global public health issue largely because obese individuals are found to be at higher risk of developing non communicable diseases such as, diabetes, heart disease, mental health and reproductive failures. This study assessed the prevalence level of obesity among Ghanaian adolescent within the Kumasi Metropolis. The study population came from second-cycle schools within the Greater Kumasi Metropolis. Accordingly, seven (7) out of the twenty-seven (27) second cycle schools within the metropolis were targeted. The study used a cross-sectional research design. The study used questionnaire as its main data collection instrument. The study used the statistical package for Social Scientist to analyse the data on the basis of descriptive and inferential statistics (independent sample ttest and multiple regression analysis. Results from the study showed that most of the respondents had a lower risk perception on obesity particularly with regards to its ability to affect their physical prowess and mental cognition abilities. Also, it was revealed that 11.5% of the respondents were found to be overweight. Meaning they had their BMI within the range of 25.0-29.9 kg/m2. Again, results from the study revealed that a student consumption patterns that is the kind of food one consumes increase one predisposition to obesity. It is recommended that school authorities and parents ought to take keen interest in the type of foods their children eat since the food a person consumes has a direct effect on their body size.