PHYSICAL INACTIVITY AND OBESITY IN SCHOOL-AGED CHILDREN OF SINDH, PAKISTAN: A PREVALENCE STUDY

Abstract

This study investigates the prevalence of physical inactivity and obesity among school-going children in Sindh, Pakistan, focusing on the role of limited physical education in contributing to these issues. A cross-sectional analysis was conducted among 400 randomly selected students from grades 7 to 10 in Tando Muhammad Khan and Nawabshah. Data on physical activity, participation in physical education, and BMI were collected to classify students as normal weight, overweight, or obese. Results showed low levels of physical activity across the sample, with 2.5% classified as obese and 10.3% as overweight. Most students reported no regular physical education classes, indicating a strong link between school-based inactivity and rising obesity. The study underscores the urgent need to integrate structured physical education into school curricula to curb childhood obesity and promote healthier habits in the student population