Obesogenic Factors in School-Aged Children in Tobruk City, Libya

• Nasren G. S. Alfraik

  Department of Pediatric, Faculty of Medicine, Tobruk University, Libya

  Author

• Amera M. Mohmed

  Department of Pediatric, Faculty of Medicine, Tobruk University, Libya

  Author

• Aya S. Balhouq

  Department of Pediatric, Faculty of Medicine, Tobruk University, Libya

  Author

• Doaa F. Salih

  Department of Pediatric, Faculty of Medicine, Tobruk University, Libya

  Author

• Rajaa J. Saleh

  Department of Pediatric, Faculty of Medicine, Tobruk University, Libya

  Author

• Sana B. Aqoub

  Department of Pediatric, Faculty of Medicine, Tobruk University, Libya

  Author

Childhood obesity rates are globally on the rise. This study aims to assess the factors contributing to obesity in school-age children in Tobruk City, Libya, across various public and private schools. This epidemiological cross-sectional survey was conducted in May 2024. Students were divided into four groups according to their Body Mass Index: normal, underweight, overweight, and obese. Children were additionally categorized into two groups according to the type of school attended: public or private. Among 201 studied participants, only 18 students were obese all of whom were from the public school. Meanwhile, 89 students were found to be underweight, 12 were overweight, and the remainder 82, were within normal Body Mass Index. No obese children were reported in the private school, only 6 were overweight, but > 40% of children were underweight. Therefore, no correlation was found between school type and childhood obesity with a p value of 0.089. We found screen time to be more prevalent in obese and overweight children. There is no correlation between the student's gender and obesity with a p value of 0.573. The study found that the duration of activity was more extensive in the private school students. The current study concluded that there are many factors, rather than nutritional habits and activities that can affect a child's growth and body build. Further studies with large samples in our city are recommended.

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Copyright (c) 2025 Nasren Alfraik, Dr. Nasren Alfraik, dr. amera mohmed, dr.aya said, dr. doa faraj, dr. rajaa jaballa, dr. sana boufaraj (Author)

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