OBESITY AND INCREASED WEIGHT RATIOIN SCHOOL GOING ADOLESCENTS: ITS PSYCHOLOGICAL COMPLICATIONSIN AFFLUENT AND NON-AFFLUENT SCHOOLS OF FAISALABAD, PAKISTAN

Abstract

Purpose: The Purpose of this particular study was to check the ratio of increase in obesity and weight in adolescents with its psychological complications and then compare that in the affluent and non-affluent schools of Faisalabad, Punjab Pakistan. 

Methodology: A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted. Total 120 healthy adolescents of equal number (Male & Female) with age between 8 to 16 years were selected for the study. The nonprobability convenient sampling technique was used. Researchers used a Self-designed demographical tool for collection of data. Data was transferred to SPSS 21 for analysis.

Main Findings: The results of analyzed data revealed that 81.7% of adolescents prefer television watching and play computer games rather than participating in physical activities, exercise or sports. 53.3% (M= 2.95, SD=1.24) school-going children did not participate in physical activity and exercises. According to the results of the emotional eater Questionnaire 49.2% of adolescents did not have control on over eating, 54.2% of adolescents eat more frequently fast food. The sense of guilt felt by individuals when they look at the weighing scale for the consumption of forbidden foods was 34.2%. In this study excessive weight and obesity had a significant difference among affluent and no affluent school-going adolescents. Null hypothesis was rejected and the alternative hypothesis was accepted. Affluent school’s adolescents were more active as compare to non-affluent adolescents and female participants were more active as compared to male adolescents.

Implicationsof the Study: Findings of the study have shown that gender impact is significant in developing obesity. The bad habits of computer usage, TV watching and casual eating must be monitored by the parents and teachers to avoid the development of obesity and increase in weight of adolescents. The control over weight and obesity will improve social life standard of children. They will become valuable part of society. Habits preventing obesity will make their future lives comfortable,healthy and free of worries.

Novelty: The findings of the study will pave the way for future researchers and educationists to preventthe increasing trend of obesity and weight in children. The proper supervision and periodic checking of weight will help the children to controlincrease in weight and obesity.Through findings of this researchpsychological, social and cultural benefits of preventing obesity will be achieved.