Obesity and its Relationship with Physical Activity among Female Adolescents

Obesity is a social dilemma. Lack of adequate physical activity in adolescence is one of the main causes of obesity. This study aimed to determine the relationship between the obesity and physical activity among female adolescents in west region of Tehran. In this descriptive correlational study, 385 students were recruited to the study using the multistage random sampling. Physical activity status was assessed using the standardized 7-item physical activity questionnaire. The obesity status was calculated with body mass index and the Triceps skin-fold thickness according to the NHANES1. Data were analyzed using the ANOVA, Chi-squared test, Spearman correlation and Kappa coefficient in 95% confidence level. According to the Triceps skin-fold thickness, 18 per cent of the participants were overweight and obese. This per cent was increased when the obesity was measured according to the body mass index (15 per cent). About half of the participants had low levels of physical activity. The third graders had the lowest levels of the physical activity. There were no statistically significant relationship between the anthropometric indices with the physical activity. High-graders had less physical activity. Physical activity should be encouraged among the students.