The relationship between physical activity and diet, and overweight and obesity, in young people

Abdul-Monim Batiha; Saleh Daradkeh; Mohammed ALBashtawy; Sami Aloush; Ahlam Al-Natour; Mohammad Al Qadire; Intima Alrimawi; Moawiah Khatatbeh; Khetam Al-Awamreh; Fadwa Alhalaiqa

doi:10.7748/ncyp.2018.e1100

The relationship between physical activity and diet, and overweight and obesity, in young people

Nurs Child Young People. 2018 Oct 4. doi: 10.7748/ncyp.2018.e1100. Online ahead of print.

Authors

Affiliations

¹ Faculty of Nursing, Philadelphia University, Amman, Jordan.
² Al-Ghad International Health Sciences Colleges, Saudi Arabia.
³ Community and Mental Health Department, Princess Salma Faculty of Nursing, AL al-Bayt University, Mafraq, Jordan.
⁴ Princess Salma Faculty of Nursing, AL al-Bayt University, Mafraq, Jordan.
⁵ College of Nursing, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan.
⁶ Stratford University, Virginia, United States.
⁷ Yarmouk University, Irbid, Jordan.
⁸ AL al-Bayt University, Mafraq, Jordan.

PMID: 30285324
DOI: 10.7748/ncyp.2018.e1100

Abstract

Background: Childhood obesity has a worldwide association with serious health problems and complications that increase the risk of illness and death.

Aim: To identify and assess the factors contributing to overweight and obesity among school students in north Jordan.

Method: A descriptive cross-sectional study involving 1,554 students was conducted between October 2014 and February 2015.

Results: More than two thirds (70%) of participants were normal weight (5th percentile-<85th percentile), while 12% were overweight and 13% were obese. The prevalence of obesity was high (20%) among those eating snacks three times per day. The prevalence of overweight was high (12%) among those who followed no regular physical activity programme.

Conclusion: Collaboration is required between policymakers, healthcare professionals, business and community leaders, schools and local organisations to create suitable environments that support healthy lifestyles for children and young people.

Keywords: adolescents; child health; obesity; overweight; public health; school nurses.