Using socio-economic status and media use to predict excess weight in adolescent girls attending school in Kolkata, India

The health problems associated with obesity and overweight have been recognized as public health problems affecting populations worldwide. Increases in the prevalence of obesity are documented in all ages, in both developed and developing countries. Younger age groups deserve particular attention in obesity prevention since the long-term consequences of overweight persist into adulthood. This study draws on data collected from the Kolkata Girls’ Health Survey, a cross-sectional study examining health issues of girls in Kolkata, India (n=373). The objective of this study was to examine socio-economic status and media use as predictors of overweight. Results: A higher level of parental educational attainment was significantly associated with overweight. Greater levels of media use were associated with higher socio-economic status, but not with overweight. Subsequent analyses need to explore other aspects related to socio-economic status such as diet and physical activity, which are likely to contribute to overweight in adolescent girls.