Factors Associated with Overweight and Obesity in an Urban Area of South East Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Overweight and obesity present a growing health problem among Africans from all socioeconomic status. In Sub Saharan African, obesity is not only a consequence of overnutrition but possibly from excessive consumption of unbalanced diet dominated by carbohydrates and saturated fats. Characteristics of the distribution of obesity/overweight in Nigeria include its high prevalence along with socioeconomic class and in mid-life. Methods: Using the WHO STEP-wise approach to surveillance of noncommunicable diseases, we conducted a cross-sectional descriptive study of the adult population living in two urban slums in Enugu. The study was carried out in 2013. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS version. Results: A total of 605 (414 women (68.4%) and 191 (31.6%) men were recruited and analysed. The mean body mass index was 25.8 kg/m2 higher in females (26.7 kg/m2) than males (24 kg/m2) p is 29.4% (178/605) and 19.5% (118/605) respectively. There also a modest prevalence of underweight 4% (24/605) among the population. All classes of obesity were significantly more prevalent in females. Significant positive correlates of BMI were: female sex (r = 0.21, p (0.16 (Conclusion: The prevalence of obesity is relatively high in two urban slums in Enugu and co-exists with a modest rate of underweight. Public health and community-based approaches should be used to tackle these two-opposing social/health problems.