Abstract

Background: Obesity is a positive risk factor in development of hypertension, diabetes, gallbladder diseases, coronary heart diseases, and few types of cancers. Body mass index (BMI) is an inexpensive and easy screening method for weight category: Underweight, healthy weight, overweight, and obesity. Only a few studies have been conducted until now which focuses on finding any relationship between BMI and blood group of school going children.

Aims and Objectives: The aims of this were as follows: (a) To find out BMI in school children of study center and (b) to find out correlation of BMI with blood groups and other variables of participants.

Materials and Methods: It was a cross-sectional study conducted among 101 children of school going age group 10–15 years at one of the private schools of Ahmedabad, Gujarat. A questionnaire was prepared which included sections of demographic details, blood group, diet history, and family history.

Results: About 50% of participants were from of either age 13 or 14. There was almost same proportion of participants of both sexes. About 70% of participants were found to be underweight, while about 15% were overweight. Overweight category of BMI is most commonly seen in children having blood group “A” while no child of “O” blood group was found to be overweight. This association was statistically significant.

Conclusion: Almost 70% of participants were underweight, while about 15% were overweight. Overweight was most commonly seen in children having blood group “A.” No child of “O” blood group was found to have overweight.

Key words: Blood Group; Body Mass Index; Obesity; Overweight; School Children