Abstract

The rising prevalence of overweight and obesity among adolescents is a growing public health concern worldwide, including in Bangladesh. This study conducted a scoping review to examine the prevalence and key risk factors associated with adolescent overweight and obesity in Bangladesh. The review followed the Arksey and O’Malley framework for scoping reviews and adhered to PRISMA guidelines for study identification and selection. Relevant literature published between January 2011 and December 2021 was identified through electronic databases, including PubMed and Google Scholar. Based on predefined inclusion criteria, seven studies were included in the final analysis. The findings indicate that several behavioral and lifestyle factors are associated with adolescent overweight and obesity in Bangladesh. Two studies reported a positive association between frequent fast-food consumption and overweight/obesity, while another study found that higher meal frequency increased the risk. Regular consumption of junk food and frequent restaurant dining were also linked to a higher prevalence of overweight and obesity. In contrast, one study reported that adolescents with higher fruit and vegetable intake had a lower prevalence of overweight and obesity. Sedentary behavior and limited physical activity were also identified as contributing factors. However, the available evidence remains limited, and few studies have explored effective intervention strategies. Further research is needed to better understand the determinants of adolescent overweight and obesity and to develop evidence-based interventions that promote healthier dietary practices and active lifestyles among adolescents in Bangladesh.