Overweight, obesity and some related socio-economic factors among adolescent girls in Tehran, Iran

To compare obesity, overweight and related socio-economic factors among adolescent girls in the North and South areas of Tehran, the capital of Iran, in 2005. This cross-sectional and analytical study 210 adolescent girls, aged 14-17 years, from high schools in the North area of Tehran (n=105; high socio-economic level) and the South area (n=105; low socio-economic level) were selected by the two-step, cluster random sampling method. Demographic data, including mothers´ and fathers´ educational levels and parents´ jobs were gathered, using a validated self-administered questionnaire. Food intake data were obtained by a one-day 24- hour recall and a one- day food record. Weight and height were measured based on standard methods and Body Mass Index (BMI) were calculated. Overweight + obesity were defined as a BMI  85 th percentile of age - sex specific BMI. The prevalence of overweight +obesity was observed in 15.2 % of the girls in the North area and 26.7 % of the South area, the difference being significant (P= 0.001). Mean of energy, fat and energy derived from fat were 1964 kcal, 72.0 gr and 34.1% in North area and 2288 kcal, 83.1 gr and 34.4% in South area, respectively. There was a significant correlation between BMI of the girls and mothers’ literacy in the North area. Obesity + overweight were significantly correlated with mother's job among girls in the South area. Evidence suggests that overweight and obesity in Tehran, especially among female adolescents of a low socioeconomic level, is a public health problem. It is suggested to design and implement nutritional intervention programs for adolescent girls, particularly in the low socio- economic areas.