Obesity: The Socio-Physiological Challenges in Adolescent Health
Ayuk, Clara. O1 & Mgbenkemdi Ejike .H2
Department of Sociology/anthropology, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Enugu
Department of Psychology, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Enugu
Email: sayhitoayukclara@gmail.com; iamejike@yahoo.co.uk
ABSTRACT
This study examined Obesity: the Socio-Physiological Challenges in Adolescent Health among Secondary School Students in Enugu State metropolis, Enugu-Nigeria. The aim of the study was to examine the predominant factors associated with the life and activities of adolescents in South Eastern Nigeria particularly Enugu state metropolis. The study adopted a survey design methodology, with a close-ended self-administered structured questionnaire. Using Simple Random Sampling Technique, a total of 220 students from five secondary schools in Enugu metropolis, aged between 11 to 18 years old were randomly selected as respondents, which formed the sample of the study. Body mass index of participants were measured and used to compare with the responses from the questionnaire. The study observed that preference of food type such as starchy or foods high in carbohydrates, lack of nutritional diet, cholesterols and lack of exercise lead to obesity and overweight in adolescence than regular food consumption. The study also revealed that there was high rate of stigmatization against students with obesity and overweight body size. It was recommended that the parents/ guidance should watch the kind of food their children eat, again; principals, owners of schools and the government through the Ministry of Education should rejuvenate schools sports festival across secondary schools as a means of keeping students active and healthy through sports. It was also recommended that adolescents and parents should be made aware of the health implications of consuming foods high in fat and cholesterols such as Ice cream and Noodles in order to maintain healthiness and longevity.
Keywords: Obesity; Socio-Physiological and Adolescence
