Abstract

Background:Obesity is a  nutritional problem worldwide, including in Indonesia. Data from the 2010 Basic Health Research showed that the prevalence of obesity in adolescents aged 13-15 years in Banten Province was 3.4percent, greater than the national prevalence of obesity for adolescents at the same age (2.5%). Objective: To determine gender differences in the obesity amongst junior high school students. Methods:Using a cross sectional design, this study included anthropometric measurement, questionnaire, and 2 x 24 hours food recall method. This study involved 134 junior high school students of Pembangunan Jaya Secondary School Bintaro. Results:The results of the univariate analysis showed that 14.9% of students were obese. The results of bivariate analysis showed a significant difference between sex for obesity and physical activity. These results were consistent with the previous research showing more consumption of calories in men than women. However, women only conducted milder physical activities than men. Conclusions:There was a significant difference in obesity and physical activity across different sexes. Both men and women had unbalanced diet, low consumption of fibre, yet excessive consumption of fat and protein.  Key words:Gender, obesity, adolescense, physical activity, nutrition