The Status of Overweight and Obesity Among Students in Grade Six at Phuc Dien Secondary School, Phu Dien Ward, Hanoi City, Vietnam, 2025

Abstract

Background: Overweight and obesity is a cause of mortality and morbidity because it is a major risk factor in many other noncommunicable diseases. Obesity in children is also a cause for concern since excess fat mass may damage many of the body’s systems from a young age. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the status and some associated factors of overweight and obesity among students in grade six at Phuc Dien Secondary School, Phu Dien ward, Ha noi city, Vietnam, 2025. Subjects and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 420 students in grade six at Phuc Dien Secondary School, in 2025. Results: Overall, the prevalence of overweight and obesity among students in grade six was quite high at 52,1%, in which, the rate of overweight accounted for 26,4% and accounted for 25,7%. The prevalence of overweight and obesity among students who brought extra food to class was 63.7%, which was higher than that among students who did not bring extra food (42.6%). Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that students who brought extra food to class were 2.8 times more likely to be overweight and obese compared with those who did not bring extra food to class (adjusted OR = 2.8; 95% CI: 1.1–7.8;
p < 0.05). Conclusion: The result suggest that eating behaviors in the school environment, particularly consuming additional food outside regular meals, may contribute to an increased risk of overweight and obesity among students. Therefore, promoting nutrition education for students and parents, as well as encouraging healthier food choices in the school setting, may help prevent overweight and obesity in school-aged children.