We conducted a cross-sectional study to document the prevalence of overweight and obesity in children belonging to low and middle socioeconomic groups in Delhi. The list of all the schools in low income group (LIG) category with their total enrollment was obtained from the Government of Delhi. Using PPS (population proportionate to size) methodology, 30 schools/clusters were selected. All children in the age group of 5-18 years were enlisted and with the help of random number tables, 170 children were selected from each school for the purpose of study. Similar methodology was adopted for selection of children from Middle Income Group (MIG). All the Government schools in Delhi were considered to be in LIG category, while all Kendriya Vidyalayas were under the MIG category.

Each child was briefed about the objectives of the study. Written informed consent was obtained from parents of the subjects. This study was linked with the annual health examination. The study protocol was approved by ethical committee of All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi.

Anthropometric measurements of weight, height and skinfold thickness were recorded utilizing the standard equipments and methodology(1). Inter-national Obesity Task Force (IOTF) classification given by Cole, et al.(2) was utilized for the estimation of overweight and obesity in subjects. Prevalence of overweight and obesity was also assessed by triceps skin fold thickness measurement and the Must, et al.(3) classification was used for estimating the prevalence of overweight and obesity.

In the LIG category a total of 5087 children were included in the study. Of these, 47% were males. According to IOTF classification, the prevalence of overweight and obesity was 0.2% and 1.4% respectively and as per Must, et al. classification, the prevalence of obesity and overweight was 1.0% and 2.4% (Table I). Similarly, from MIG category 5134 children were included in the study. Of these, 53% were males. According to IOTF classification, the prevalence of overweight and obesity was 0.6% and 6.7% respectively and as per Must, et al. classification, the prevalence of obesity and over-weight was 2.5% and 5.4%, respectively (Table I).

Abbreviations used: BMI: Body Mass Index; TSFT: Triceps Skin Fold Thickness; 
LIG: Low Income group; MIG: Middle Income Group

The present study documented that the prevalence of overweight and obesity was higher in the MIG children as compared to LIG for all the age groups.

Supreet Kaur and Umesh Kapil,
Department of Human Nutrition,
All India Institute of Medical Sciences,
New Delhi 110 029,
India.
E-mail: [email protected]