Objective: To describe the prevalence of overweight and obesity and identify related factors among primary school students in Thu Duc ward, Ho Chi Minh city in 2026.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 373 students and their corresponding parents. Overweight and obesity data for students were collected from participants’ weight and anthropometric measurements, and mothers’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices were collected through interviews using a questionnaire.
Results: The prevalence of overweight and obesity among students was 44.5%, in which overweight accounted for 21.4%, obesity 23.1%. The rates of parents achieving adequate knowledge and practices regarding overweight and obesity prevention were 65.7% and 41.2%, respectively; 98.9% demonstrated a positive attitude toward overweight and obesity prevention. Statistically significant factors related to overweight and obesity included a family history of obesity (OR = 2.22; 95% CI: 1.36-3.92; p = 0.006) and fastfood consumption habits (OR = 0.44; 95% CI: 0.20-0.95; p = 0.049).
Conclusion: The prevalence of overweight and obesity among students in the study area is high. Interventions should focus on practical lifestyle changes and controlling poor nutritional habits through close coordination between schools and families.