Thinness and Obesity Based on Body Mass Index in Dezfool Schoolchildren in 2004

Malnutrition is widely regarded as one of the factors affecting quality of life. The adverse effects of malnutrition have been documented in various age groups. School problems, learning difficulties, humiliation and teasing from peers are some of the most common complications of obesity and excessive thinness. The goal of this study was to determine the BMI and some of the factors affecting it in the students of Dezfool. In a cross-sectional study and using random cluster sampling, 5726 students from 39 clusters were selected and anthropometric measurements were performed in the schools and under standard conditions. Cases of obesity and thinness were identified using BMI percentiles for age and sex (NCHS). A Body Mass Index above the 95th and below the 5th percentile was defined as obesity and thinness respectively. This study involved the participation of 5508 students (96.2%). The prevalence of thinness was 33% (1716) with a 95% confidence interval of 27.3%-38.8%. The prevalence of obesity was 2.6% (157) with a 95% confidence interval of 1.7%-3.4%. There was no significant difference between the prevalence of obesity or thinness between the two sexes (P>0.05). The prevalence of obesity and thinness significantly increased and decreased respectively with aging (P<0.05). Malnutrition among the students in Dezfool predominantly takes the form of thinness, while obesity is not a serious problem in this population; overall, these findings indicate poor nutritional status. High-risk groups have been identified and they must become the target of interventions by the Health and Education Ministries.