Thực trạng thừa cân, béo phì của học sinh lớp 4, lớp 5 tại Trường Tiểu học Đoàn Kết, quận Hai Bà Trưng, Hà Nội năm 2023

The escalating prevalence of overweight and obesity among children represents a critical global and national public health concern, particularly within the primary school-aged demographic (6-11 years). This period is pivotal for development, and nutritional imbalances can lead to severe long-term health consequences, including increased risks of non-communicable diseases. Vietnam has witnessed a significant rise in these conditions, especially in urban areas like Hanoi. Despite the urgency, specific data on the current status of overweight and obesity among primary school students in urban districts, such as Hai Ba Trung, remains scarce. This study addresses this gap by investigating the prevalence of overweight and obesity among 4th and 5th-grade students at Doan Ket Primary School in Hanoi in 2023, providing crucial context for developing effective public health interventions.

Public health officials, policymakers, educators, school administrators, pediatricians, nutritionists, and parents concerned with child health and nutrition in urban areas.

This cross-sectional descriptive study aimed to delineate the current nutritional status, specifically the prevalence of overweight and obesity, among 180 4th and 5th-grade primary school students (91 boys, 89 girls) at Doan Ket Primary School in Hai Ba Trung district, Hanoi, in 2023. Using anthropometric measurements and structured interviews, data was collected and assessed against World Health Organization (WHO) 2007 standards. The findings revealed an alarming overall prevalence of overweight and obesity at 47.8%, with 27.8% classified as overweight and 20.0% as obese. While there was no statistically significant gender difference in overweight prevalence (p > 0.05), a notable difference was observed in obesity rates, with boys (27.5%) having significantly higher rates than girls (12.4%). These rates are substantially higher compared to previous studies conducted in other provinces and even some parts of Hanoi, suggesting a pronounced public health issue. The discussion attributes these disparities to socioeconomic factors prevalent in Hanoi, an urban center with higher incomes and easier access to diverse food and sedentary lifestyles. The study concludes that the high rates of overweight and obesity warrant urgent action. It emphasizes the critical need for implementing comprehensive nutrition education programs for both parents and students, promoting healthy eating habits, and encouraging increased physical activity to mitigate these risks. Furthermore, regular health checks by school medical staff and broader community awareness campaigns are recommended to address this escalating problem effectively.