Prevalence of overweight and obesity, dietary behaviors, and physical activities among sixth graders: a cross-sectional study in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

This article focuses on the prevalence of overweight and obesity among sixth-grade students in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), Vietnam, and examines their physical activity and dietary patterns. A cross-sectional study conducted from 2018 to 2020 involving 1,375 students from 16 junior high schools found that approximately 45%–56% of students were classified as overweight or obese based on three growth references (WHO, IOTF, CDC). Most students did not meet World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations for physical activity (≥60 minutes/day) and sedentary behavior (<120 minutes/day), and their diets were characterized by excessive intake of protein, lipids, and carbohydrates but insufficient consumption of fruits and vegetables. The study highlights differences between urban and suburban students in activity levels and diet and calls for early interventions by families, schools, health professionals, and policymakers to promote healthier lifestyles before adolescence.