Publication

Abstract : Introduction: Childhood obesity is a known precursor to adult obesity and other lifestyle diseases in adulthood. Physical activity plays an important role in the prevention of overweight and obesity in childhood and adolescence. India being a developing country the problem of obesity and undernourishment is booming up even in rural children also as per the literature review. Living environment of rural community have a wide opportunity for physical activities still the children are confining themselves to electronic gadget and finding pleasure in indoor activities than in outdoor games. Aim: The aim of this study was to find out the level of physical activity and obesity among high school children in selected rural schools. Method: A Quantitative approach with descriptive survey design was adopted for the study. Two hundred and sixteen subjects from rural schools were selected using non-probability convenience sampling technique. Result: The level of physical activity of children in rural area Out of 216 high school students 73 (33.8%) children was less activity. 136(63.0%) children had moderate level of activity and only 7(3.2%) children had highly activity. Considering the level of obesity 120(55.6%) children were under weight, 88(40.7%) children were normal weight, and only8(3.7%) children were over weight. The findings also showed there is a weak negative correlation between level of physical activity and BMI of students in rural area which was not significant. There was association between gender and BMI Conclusion There is emerging need to intervene to the increasing level of child obesity as the study finding highlights the decrease in level of physical activity among majority of sample and the increasing tendency of overweight and obese children.