Vol. 6, Issue 2, Part A (2024)

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of body weight and weight change in school-going children over a two-year period. A total of 218 male and female students from Shemford Futuristic School in Bardhaman, aged 3 to 9 years, participated in the study. The sample consisted of 126 boys (57.80%) and 92 girls (42.20%). Body mass index (BMI) was calculated for the selected students twice a year, total three measurements throughout the two-year study. After 12 months, the analysis revealed that among the same group of school children, 66.96% of boys, 30.77% of boys, and 2.27% of boys were classified as underweight, normal weight, and overweight, respectively. Among girls, the corresponding percentages were 65.76%, 28.79%, and 5.45% for underweight, normal weight, and overweight. After 24 months, the study found that 58.36% of boys, 38.24% of boys, and 3.4% of boys were underweight, normal weight, and overweight, respectively. For girls, the percentages were 55.44%, 34.78%, 7.61%, and 2.17% for underweight, normal weight, overweight, and obese, respectively. The results indicate a substantial increase in the prevalence of obesity and overweight among both boys and girls over the two-year period. These findings highlight the importance of addressing and preventing childhood obesity, as it has significant implications for the health and well-being of children. Further research and interventions are needed to combat this growing public health concern and promote healthy weight management in school-going children.