Béo phì đang gia tăng trên học sinh tại các thành phố lớn, là yếu tố nguy cơ của bệnh tim mạch, đái tháo đường, sỏi mật, ung thư, đe doạ tới sức khoẻ con người. Mục tiêu của nghiên cứu này là đánh giá tỷ lệ béo phì và các yếu tố liên quan trên học sinh tiểu học. Nghiên cứu cắt ngang vào tháng 4/2007 trên 757 học sinh 9-11 tuổi tại 4 trường ở Hà...

English summary: Prevalence of obesity is increasing in primary school children in big cities. Obesity poses a major risk factor for non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, gall-bladder diseases, cancers, which affect people’s health and life-expectancy. The aim of the study is to assess obesity prevalence and related factors in primary school children. A cross-sectional study was undertaken in April 2007 in 757 children aged 9-11 years old in 4 schools in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh city. The data and information collected were: anthropometry, food intake, physical activities and some information about children’s family status. Depending on the schools, the obesity rates were 1.1%, 7.1%, 10.8%, and 41.1%. Children with overweight parents (BMI ³ 25) were 5.96 times more likely being obese (p< 0.05) than those without overweight parents. Food expenditures of obese and non-obese children were: 7,200 versus 4,400 VND for breakfast, 592,700 versus 410,300 VND per month (p<0.001). Daily energy intake, fat intake were 2530.8 Kcal, 70.2 gram and 2143.3 Kcal, 49.5 gram in obese and non-obese group, respectively. The number of days that children had physical activities was the same for both obese and non-obese subjects, about 3.8 days/week. High energy intake, fat intake, carbohydrate intake, parental educational levels and nutritional status, and food expenditure were associated with obesity status in children. School children are more likely to be obese in urban areas than in suburbs. Control and prevention of obesity in children may include decreased energy intake, particularly fat intake and increased physical activities.