Research in Medicine

  Background many investigators to achieve studies in this regard . Factors related to fetal and early infancy as well as behavioral factors are studied in many of these studies worldwide. This study was aimed to determine some of these factors in Ahwaz primary school students .

 Materials and methods : old students who had a BMI "95 th percentile of Iranian reference were identified as obese (n=150) and 150 age- and gender-matched students ( BMI <85 th percentile) were selected as controls. A demographic questionnaire was completed and physical activity was assessed by Baeck Physical Activity Questionnaire .

 Results : obese ones meanwhile, BMI was inversely correlated with the age of supplementary feeding introduction in obese students . Duration of watching TV and playing computer was associated with BMI in this group. Obese students had significantly less physical activity and sleeping duration. Race, gestational age, season of birth, birth order, breast-feeding duration, and sleeping regularity were not significantly differed between obese and non-obese students .

 Conclusion : playing computer, low sleep duration and low physical activity were associated with obesity among Ahwaz primary school children .