Relationship Between Body Mass Index and Obesity Awareness in School Students

BACKGROUND: The primary aim was to assess the prevalence of overweight and obesity among the participants and its relationship to obesity awareness. METHODS: A cross-sectional study that included intermediate and high schools students was conducted between April 2014 and June 2015. Anthropometric measurements were obtained by the researchers and body mass index (BMI) was calculated. We used the obesity risk knowledge (ORK-10) scale to assess obesity awareness. Participants who answered ≥ 5 out of 10 questions correctly were considered to be aware. RESULT: A total of 528 students were enrolled (mean age, 15.58 years). The mean BMI was 22.37 kg/m(2), and 27.6% were either overweight or obese. The mean ORK-10 score was 3.15 and 25.4% were considered to be aware. Compared to those who were non-aware, participants in the aware group were more likely to be older (P < 0.001), male (P < 0.001), attend high school (P < 0.001), eat dinner with their families (P = 0.021), eat fruit at least daily (P = 0.027), and consider obesity to be a disease (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Only 25.4% of students who participated were considered to be aware about obesity. Those who were aware were more likely to be older male high school students.