Obesity status and anti-obesity regimen: A case among Filipino adolescents

• Main Author: Abello, Roberto Prudencio D.
• Format: text
• Published: Animo Repository 2015
• Subjects: Obesity in adolescence > Philippines; Reducing diets > Philippines; Obesity > Psychological aspects; Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition; Health Psychology
• Online Access: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/faculty_research/12921
• Institution: De La Salle University

Background: Obesity is an alarming phenomenon that is affecting various sectors globally, including adolescents. A shift of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) cases among adolescents, previously seen in adults; has restructure the health status and social dimensions of adolescents which comprise 20% of country's population. Currently, the adolescent obesity prevalence in the Philippines rose from 4.5% to 13% in a decade from 2003 to 2013. Methods: This descriptive study aimed to ascertain associated factors to obesity status and anti-obesity regimen among the adolescents. Seventy-five adolescents was identified using purposive sampling; the study utilized the following criteria: (1) obese adolescents with BMI >30kg/m2; (2) aged between 13 and 16; and (3) have been doing activities to reduce body weight in the past 6 months. The survey method was used to collect quantitative data. Results: As data indicated, factors such as socio-demographic characteristics, family obesity history and lifestyle were identified and associated to obesity status. The anti-obesity regimen activities were associated with practice, frequency, adherence and barriers which would ascertain reduction of body weight. Half of the respondents have been adopting anti-obesity regimen related to eating practices and physical activity to reduce weight. Respondents have low frequency level of performing both eating practices and physical activity regimens; it was observed that adolescents have high adherence levels on eating practices regimen; and low adherence in terms of physical activity. They showed to moderate barrier levels; which means adopting specific anti-obesity regimen activities have neither restricting nor promotive influence to maintain these anti-obesity regimen practices. The significant relationship between obesity status and anti-obesity regimen tested using Chi square. Obesity status and anti-obesity regimen activities were has significant relationship in practice or adoption, adherence to both eating and physical activities; and frequency of performing physical activity such as exercise. There exist no significant relationship between barriers levels of anti-obesity regimen and obesity status. Conclusion: Obesity status and anti-obesity regimen were associated to practice, adherence levels and frequency of performing anti-obesity regimen. These factors were dependent on decision to lose weight and choice of anti-obesity regimen among adolescents. Obesity status will only be improved with consistency and frequency of practice; high level of adherence and strong commitment to lose weight at least in short term basis.