Objective: This study aims to describe the current status of overweight and obesity among 4th and 5th grade students at Doan Ket Primary School, Hai Ba Trung district, Hanoi, in 2023.
Research methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on 180 students (91 boys and 89 girls). Nutritional status was assessed based on World Health Organization (2007) standards. Data were collected through anthropometric measurements and structured interviews.
Results: The prevalence of overweight and obesity was 47.8%, with overweight accounting for 27.8% and obesity 20.0%. The prevalence of overweight was 25.3% in boys and 30.3% in girls. The prevalence of obesity was 27.5% in boys and 12.4% in girls. There was no statistically significant difference in overweight prevalence between genders (p > 0.05). In contrast, there was a statistically significant difference in obesity rates between the two sexes (p < 0.05).
Conclusion: The rate of overweight and obesity among school students at Doan Ket Primary School is alarming. There is a need to implement appropriate nutrition education for parents and students, as well as to promote healthy eating habits and increased physical activity to reduce the risk of overweight and obesity.