Vol. 12, Issue 5 (2023)

Methodology: A total of 100 children between the age of seven to twelve years comprising both boys (n=49) and girls (n=51) were selected from the Ziro Valley of Arunachal Pradesh through purposive sampling. Using a structured interview schedule, the background information (age, sex, income of the parents, educational status of both parent and children), anthropometric measurements (weight and height), dietary habits (dietary habits, food frequency and 24hour dietary recall) were collected using standard procedure. BMI was calculated for all the 100 children and was compared with age specific standards (WHO, 2018). All the obtained data from the survey was recorded and were further analysed Using SPSS version 20.0 and Microsoft Excel 2010.

Results: Seventy-five percent of the selected children from Ziro, Arunachal Pradesh had normal BMI with the z score ranging between -2 and +2. It was also observed that 1% and 0.7 of selected school children were found to be overweight and obese respectively. To conclude, consistent monitoring of dietary intake for quantum and quality of nutrients can prevent obesity of children. The strategies include for preventing childhood obesity are healthy eating behaviour and regular physical activity which should be encouraged by school and limiting children from screen time like videotapes and computer games etc.