Abstract
Background: Childhood obesity is increasingly recognized as a critical public health issue globally, with alarming trends also emerging in low- and middle-income countries. In Lesotho, urbanization and changing dietary patterns are believed to contribute to rising
obesity rates among children. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and key determinants of childhood obesity among school-going children in Maseru.
Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in 2024 involving 103 students aged 6–16 years selected from three randomly chosen schools in Maseru. Anthropometric data were collected to calculate BMI, and a validated questionnaire was administered to assess socioeconomic status, dietary intake, physical activity, screen time, and knowledge and perceptions. Data were analyzed using SPSS v29.0 with descriptive and inferential statistics.
Results: Among 103 participants, 53.8% had a healthy BMI, 30.8% were underweight, 5.8% were overweight, and 2.9% were obese. A majority of obese and overweight children were girls. Significant associations were found between BMI and variables including physical inactivity, screen time, and dietary behaviors. Despite high awareness levels, actual lifestyle practices remained poor.
Conclusions: The findings highlight a dual burden of malnutrition, with underweight and overweight coexisting in the same population. Targeted health promotion interventions, school-based nutrition programs, and community engagement are essential to prevent further escalation of childhood obesity in Lesotho.