The High Prevalence of Overweight and Obesity and Associated Factors Among Adolescents Attending Secondary Schools in Tshwane, South Africa

Although, the problem of people being overweight and obese is considered a global pandemic, affecting a diverse number of people across race, gender and age. Undernutrition and overnutrition have been reported in South Africa (RSA), as a dual malnutrition burden that is affecting individuals in the same population. The lack of research and educational programmes pertaining to the overweight and obesity pandemic among adolescents in secondary schools has contributed to the increase of these phenomena. The purpose of this study was to probe into overweight and obesity among adolescents attending secondary schools. The aim was to determine the current prevalence, possible associated factors, dietary practices and nutrition knowledge of adolescents attending secondary schools. This was meant to elicit a rich understanding regarding the extent and pattern of overweight and obesity among adolescents. A descriptive quantitative and cross-sectional design was used to probe into being overweight and obesity by focusing on prevalence, associated factors, nutrition knowledge and dietary practices among adolescents attending secondary schools. Adapted self-administered structured questionnaires were utilised for the data collection process, and the quantitative data was analysed with STATA software. The study&apos;s results indicated an elevated overweight prevalence of 32% (n = 357) and an obesity prevalence of 9% (n = 357). On bivariate logistic regression, overweight and obesity were significantly associated with meals per day (P = 0.04), area (P = < 0.01), and consumption of soft drinks (P = 0.03). In conclusion, the assumption is that the outcome indicated by this study will add to the wide-ranging body of knowledge regarding being overweight and obese and will further inform the RSA Department of Health (DoH) and Basic Education (DBE) to advance and contribute towards the development of a nutrition intervention program.