Prevalence, Factors Associated with Obesity and Overweight among Students in Brazzaville in 2020

Background: The prevalence of obesity is increasing dramatically around the world and it is reasonable to assume that young people attending school in Brazzaville are not spared. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence, as well as the factors associated with obesity and overweight among students in Brazzaville. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study, conducted as a questionnaire survey with 2052 pupils (869 boys and 1183 girls, aged 14 to 18). Obesity and overweight were determined from the body mass index and reference curves of the International Obesity Task Force (IOTF), the associated factors, by performing the logistic regression. Results: The prevalence of overweight in private and public institutions was 15.6% versus 5.5% (p < 0.001) and obesity prevalence was 4.0% versus 1.5% (p < 0.001), respectively. The main factors associated with obesity and overweight were: parents’ monthly income (OR = 1.73), car as a means of transportation (OR = 2.75) and family history of obesity (OR = 7.73). On the other hand, attending a public school, walking and high levels of physical activity had a protective effect against obesity in this population. Conclusion: The prevalence of obesity was higher in private institutions and required management and prevention strategies.