Abstract

Nwobodo Ed1, Anikeh LC#, Obikili E, Ajeigbe K, Onwubuya EI, Ejidike H and Chukwujekwu I

There is need to continually monitor and document the trends of overweight and underweight in the public health context of developing nations so as to suitably adjust public health strategies and disease management approaches. This study reported the BMI trends of 2 different youth populations in southeast Nigeria. 2732 secondary school students were selected through a multi-stage sampling technique and their body mass indices obtained. The prevalence of overweight, obesity and underweight were determined using Body Mass Index (BMI). The findings were compared with the data of a cohort of medical school undergraduates (n=131). Approximately 75% and 66% respectively of secondary and tertiary students were underweight. The prevalence of overweight was 3% in secondary and 19% in tertiary student populations. Obesity was less than 1% in both groups. Only 21.99% and 14.52% respectively of the younger and older youth populations had normal BMI. The current mean prevalence of obesity among Nigeria youth populations was <1% while that of overweight was 11%. Underweight had a staggering rate of 70.5%, probably among the highest in the region. Both underweight and overweight have shown a rising trend. Underweight was commoner in females. Data indicates urgent need for containment measures