Prevalence of overweight and obesity among adolescents in Bulgaria

Overweight and obesity among adolescents is one of the most serious public health problems of the 21st century. They play a potential role in the development of a number of socially significant non-communicable conditions and diseases. Objective. The aim of the study was to determine the prevelance of overweight and obesity among Bulgarian teenagers of both sexes and age range from 13 to 18 years based on anthropometric parameters – height, weight, and body mass index. Methods. It was conducted a survey of anthropometric indicators on a representative sample of region Stara Zagora, Bulgaria in September-October 2016. The study population included 481 school students aged 13-18 years. The classification of overweight and obesity status was determined by body mass index (BMI) for age and sex according to the WHO Growth Reference for children aged 5–19 years. Results. The results of the transversal study showed increased levels of overweight and obesity among adolescents – 14.96% and 3.74%, respectively. The percentage of overweight in the individual age groups ranged from 10.52% to 19.54%. The leaders in the sample on this indicator were 18-year-old male students – 11.49%. The prevalence of obesity among different age groups varied from 1.13% to 6.25%. The highest values of obesity were found in 13- and 14-year-old school students – 6.00% and 6.25%, respectively. Conclusion. The research found increased prevalence of overweight and obesity among Bulgarian adolescents aged 13–18 years. It requires effective health programs, active civic self-awareness, and personal participation to limit this extremely harmful process that has already reached a pandemic spread. Key words: adolescents, obesity, overweight, general practice, BMI