Associations of parental support and involvement in sports with overweight and obesity among children and adolescents in Pakistan: an empirical cross-sectional study
This study examines the relationship between parental support and involvement in sports and the prevalence of overweight and obesity among Pakistani children and adolescents aged 9-17 years. Using a cross-sectional design, the study used a multistage random cluster sample from 62 schools with 4,200 students. Data from 4,108 participants (97.8%) were analysed, with 92 (2.2%) excluded due to incomplete information. Body weight status was assessed according to WHO guidelines. Results showed that among 3,371 students (mean age = 13.74 years, 58.2% boys), higher parental support and involvement in sports were significantly associated with healthier weight status. Descriptive statistics showed that 15.8% of the children were underweight, 57.1% had a healthy weight, 16.8% were overweight and 10.3% were obese. Significant associations were found between parental encouragement to exercise and weight status (χ2 = 13.39, p = 0.005). Logistic regression showed that parental encouragement (B = 0.138, p < 0.001) and financial support (B = 0.099, p < 0.01) were positively associated with healthier body weight. In contrast, lack of involvement was associated with higher rates of obesity.
Publisert i Physical Activity Review, 2025
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