Prevalence of obesity, central obesity, and associated socio-demographic variables in Syrian women using different anthropometric indicators

AbstractThe prevalence of overweight and obesity is increasing globally in both developing and developed countries, especially, those with rapid cultural and social changes. The aims of current study were twofold: (a) to examine, for the first time in Syria, the prevalence of overweight, obesity and central obesity in Syrian women and obesity-related socio-demographic determinants, and (b) to establish a base line data about obesity related determinants needed to develop appropriate treatment and prevention strategies. Cross-sectional study with a randomly representative sample of 923 women aged 18-60 years was conducted. Waist (WC) and hip circumference (HC) were measured, and body mass index (BMI) waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) were calculated. Socio-demographic data were collected with a designed questionnaire. The overall prevalence of overweight and obesity in Syrian women as defined by BMI were 31% and 43%, respectively. The overall central obesity as defined by WC and WHR were 53% and 33%, respectively. The prevalence of obesity and central obesity were increased with age. WC and HC were strongly correlated with BMI. The mean BMIs and other anthropometric measurements were significantly higher in married, house wife, less educated, high parity, and low physical activity women. The results of this study indicate an increased rates of overweight, overall, and central obesity in Syrian women. Also, central obesity as defined by WC is higher than BMI derived obesity. In conclusion, WC is more appropriate to be used for obesity assessment, where, BMI underestimates the obesity prevalence among middle-age women. Development of appropriate treatment and prevention strategies are urgently needed to combat with increasing rate of obesity among Syrian women.

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Obesity prevalence and contributing factors among adolescents in secondary schools in Pemagatshel district, Bhutan

International Journal of Adolescent Medicine and Health ◽

10.1515/ijamh-2016-0143 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 31 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Wang Norbu ◽

Ugyen Wangdi ◽

Desang Dorji ◽

Dumrongkiet Arthan ◽

Ngamphol Soonthornworasiri ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Developed Countries ◽

Overweight And Obesity ◽

The Body ◽

Obesity Prevalence ◽

Contributing Factors ◽

School Food ◽

Control And Prevention ◽

Prevalence Of Obesity ◽

Food Recall ◽

Teenage Obesity

Abstract Background The prevalence of obesity has increased globally, with childhood and adolescent obesity being more common in developed countries. There has been no study on teenage obesity in Bhutan. In this study, we aimed to assess the prevalence of obesity in Bhutan for the first time in order to provide a baseline for future researchers. Methods The investigation, which included 392 adolescents, aimed to identify the prevalence of overweight and obesity and its contributing factors. Anthropometric measurements, food recall and knowledge, attitude, behaviour and environment questionnaires were administered. The body mass index (BMI) cut-off points for adolescents matched with those of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Results The prevalence of overweight and obesity among the participants were 7.1% and 1.5%, respectively. The prevalence of obesity was 1.0% in females and 0.5% in males (p < 0.001). There were significant (p < 0.001) correlations between BMI and other variables; however, Pearson’s χ2 test uncovered no significant associations. BMI also had no significant associations with attitude, behaviour, environment and distance travelled to school. Food recall results revealed the following findings for average food consumption: total energy intake, 3522.6 kcal; fat, 47.6 g; carbohydrate, 690.2 g; protein, 90.5 g; fibre, 20.3 g; and sodium, 12.5 g. Conclusion The results of this study clarified the prevalence of obesity among adolescents in Bhutan, who require appropriate strategies for combating overweight and obesity.

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Taxing sugar-sweetened beverages as a policy to reduce overweight and obesity in countries of different income classifications: a systematic review

Public Health Nutrition ◽

10.1017/s1368980021002901 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-27

Author(s):

Alexander Itria ◽

Stéfani S. Borges ◽

Ana Elisa M. Rinaldi ◽

Luciana Bertoldi Nucci ◽

Carla Cristina Enes

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Price Change ◽

Overweight And Obesity ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Obesity Prevalence ◽

Middle Income ◽

Sugar Sweetened Beverage ◽

Middle Income Countries ◽

Sweetened Beverages ◽

Prevalence Of Obesity

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the potential impact of sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) taxes on overweight and obesity prevalence in countries of different income classifications. Design: Systematic review following PRISMA guidelines (PROSPERO number CRD42020161612). Five databases (Cochrane Library, Embase, LILACS (via Virtual Health Library) and MEDLINE (via PubMed), and Web of Science were searched, from January 2009 up to December 2019. Articles that reported changes in purchases, sales, intake, body weight, BMI, overweight and/or obesity prevalence due to a tax on, or price change in SSBs were included. Setting: Studies conducted in countries of different income classifications. Participants: The search yielded 8,349 articles of which twenty-one met inclusion criteria. Results: Among the 16 studies selected, only 2 did not show that consumption, sales and purchase decreased as the price of SSBs increased. In 8 of the 13 studies selected, a positive effect of an SSB tax on decreasing overweight and obesity prevalence was expected. It is estimated that a 20% taxation on SSBs would result in a greater decrease in the prevalence of overweight and obesity compared to a 10% rate. Studies with no significant effect of taxing on sales, purchases, consumption and prevalence of obesity were from high-income countries, while significant effects of taxing on reducing purchase, consumption and/or obesity prevalence were found in studies from upper-middle and middle-income countries. Conclusion: A high SSB tax might be an effective fiscal policy to decrease purchase and consumption of SSBs and reduce overweight/obesity prevalence, especially if the tax were specific for beverage volume.

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Prevalence and Predictors of Overweight and Obesity among Somalis in Norway and Somaliland: A Comparative Study

Journal of Obesity ◽

10.1155/2018/4539171 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 2018 ◽

pp. 1-8 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Soheir H. Ahmed ◽

Haakon E. Meyer ◽

Marte K. Kjøllesdal ◽

Ahmed A. Madar

Keyword(s):

Comparative Study ◽

Central Obesity ◽

Overweight And Obesity ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Somali Immigrants ◽

High Prevalence ◽

Prevalence Of Obesity ◽

Study Population ◽

High Bmi

Background and Aim. The knowledge about the health status of Somalis in Norway and Somaliland is limited. This paper reports the results of a comparative study on the prevalence and predictors of overweight/obesity among Somalis in Norway and Somaliland. Method. We conducted two cross-sectional studies using the same tools and procedures, between 2015 and 2016. The study population was adults aged 20–69 years (n=1110 (Somaliland) and n=220 (Norway)). Results. The prevalence of obesity (body mass index (BMI) ≥30 kg/m2) was 44% and 31% in women in Norway and Somaliland, respectively. In contrast, the prevalence of obesity was low in men (9% in Norway; 6% in Somaliland). Although the prevalence of high BMI was higher in Somali women in Norway than women in Somaliland, both groups had the same prevalence of central obesity (waist circumference (WC) ≥ 88 cm). In men, the prevalence of central obesity (WC ≥ 102 cm) was lower in Somaliland than in Norway. For women in Somaliland, high BMI was associated with lower educational level and being married. Conclusion. The prevalence of overweight and obesity is high among Somali immigrants in Norway, but also among women in Somaliland. The high prevalence of overweight and obesity, particularly among women, calls for long-term prevention strategies.

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Prevalence and temporal trends of overweight and obesity among children and adolescents in Jilin, Northeast China, 2011-2015

10.7287/peerj.preprints.3207 ◽

2017 ◽

Author(s):

Yan Li ◽

Zhijun Li ◽

Qing Sun ◽

Mengying Wang ◽

Meng Jiang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Children And Adolescents ◽

Northeast China ◽

National Level ◽

Temporal Trends ◽

Developed Countries ◽

Overweight And Obesity ◽

Age Group ◽

Obesity Prevalence ◽

Obesity Epidemic ◽

And Gender

Objective: In China, the obesity epidemic is truly national and childhood obesity prevalence has rapidly increased and is close to the developed countries. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence and temporal trends of overweight and obesity among children and adolescents in Jilin City, China (2011-2015). Methods: The data derived from the census on students’ constitution and health in 2011-2015 carried out by the Jilin CDC, Jilin City. 191191 children and adolescents aged 7-18 years were included in the present survey, of which 37549 in 2011 to 41564 in the 2015. The newly developed age- and gender-specific BMI cutoffs by the working group on obesity in China were used to define overweight and obesity in children and adolescents. Results: The mean of BMI (body mass index) was significantly increasing from 20.9 kg/m2 in 2011 to 21.5 kg/m2 in 2015 in all subjects. Overweight and Obesity prevalence of total students aged 7-18 years had a significantly increasing from 2012 to 2015 (P<0.001), from 16.0% and 13.1% to 17.1% and 17.1%. The minimum value of BMI and overweight and obesity prevalence in overall age group all presented in 2012. Boys and girls all showed the significant increase in overweight and obesity prevalence in every age group from 2012 to 2015 and boys higher than girls (P<0.001). Regardless of girls and boys, the most likely of children and adolescents being overweight and obesity had been observed in the youngest age and lowest school grade category. Conclusion: In summary, our results indicate that all the overweight and obesity prevalence among children and adolescents over the past 5 years were higher than the 2010 Chinese National Level and Chinese large coastal cities’ level and a significantly increase from 2011-2015. Obesity epidemic is serious, at least not optimistic among children and adolescents in Jilin, Northeast China.

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Prevalence and factors associated with overweight and obesity among children from primary schools in urban areas of Lomé, Togo

Public Health Nutrition ◽

10.1017/s1368980017003664 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 21 (6) ◽

pp. 1048-1056 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Herbert Sagbo ◽

Didier Koumavi Ekouevi ◽

Dorland Tafitarilova Ranjandriarison ◽

Serge Niangoran ◽

Tchaa Abalo Bakai ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Primary Schools ◽

Dietary Diversity ◽

Eating Habits ◽

Statistical Significance ◽

Developed Countries ◽

Overweight And Obesity ◽

Economic Conditions ◽

Obesity Prevalence ◽

Factors Associated

AbstractObjectiveOverweight and obesity in childhood are serious public health issues, both in developing and developed countries. The present study aimed to ascertain overweight and obesity prevalence rates among Togolese schoolchildren in Lomé, Togo, and their correlation with physical activity, socio-economic conditions and eating habits.DesignCross-sectional survey conducted in December 2015. Overweight and obesity were defined using age- and sex-specific BMI cut-off points of the International Obesity Task Force. Physical activity, socio-economic conditions and eating habits were assessed with a standardized questionnaire. Specially trained medical students interviewed children and collected the data. After bivariate regression analyses, factors associated with overweight/obesity were identified by multivariate logistic regression. Statistical significance was two-sided P<0·05.SettingLomé, Togo.SubjectsRepresentative sample of 634 children (288 boys, 346 girls), aged 8–17 years, who were studying in primary schools.ResultsOverweight and obesity respectively affected 5·2 and 1·9 % of children surveyed. Watching television (>4 h) on weekends (OR; 95 % CI: 3·8; 1·2, 12·0, P=0·02) and medium dietary diversity score (3·0; 1·1, 8·1, P=0·03) were independently associated with overweight/obesity in a multivariate regression model. Eating breakfast in the school cafeteria (0·2; 0·1, 0·8, P=0·03) and eating fruits (0·4; 0·1, 0·9, P=0·03) significantly reduced the risk of overweight/obesity.ConclusionsOverweight and obesity prevalence were linked with sedentary behaviour and non-optimal food diversity. Promoting physical activity and fruit consumption should be explored as interventions to reduce and prevent overweight and obesity in Lomé schoolchildren. In addition, preventive approaches in the social environment of children should be considered.

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Prevalence of overweight and obesity in adult rural population of the northern part of Backa and Banat

Vojnosanitetski pregled ◽

10.2298/vsp1210833p ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 69 (10) ◽

pp. 833-839 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Tatjana Pavlica ◽

Verica Bozic-Krstic ◽

Rada Rakic ◽

Dejan Sakac

Keyword(s):

Adult Population ◽

Developed Countries ◽

Overweight And Obesity ◽

Obesity Prevalence ◽

Rural Settlements ◽

Anthropometric Parameters ◽

Obesity Index ◽

Obese Subjects ◽

Male Subjects ◽

Very High

Background/Aim. Obesity represents one of the frequent health problems in developed countries today. It is related to cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and various cancer forms. The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of overweight and obesity in adult population of the northern Backa and Banat. Methods. On the basis of a multistage stratified random sampling, 4,505 individuals of the age 40.61 ? 11.29 years took part in the study. The study included 46 rural settlements. The overweight and obesity prevalence was obtained using the anthropometric indicators of body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC) and the waist to hip ratio (WHR). The correlations among BMI, WC and WHR were determined by the Pearson's correlation coefficient while the multiple regression analysis was used for correlating sociodemographic parameters and the obesity index. Results. A significant positive correlation was found in relation to all anthropometric parameters in both sexes. The data indicated that 66.32% of males and 49.68% of females had an overweight problem. On average, approximately 38.52% of subjects of both sexes were overweight, while 19.48% were obese. The factors that largely contributed to higher values of the obesity index were the age of male subjects and the age, education and origin in females. Ragarding the female subjects, the level of education negatively correlated with the level of nutritional condition. Conclusion. The prevalence values of the overweight and obese subjects, obtained on the basis of the anthropometric parameters, vary. However, regardless methods applied, the percentage of the overweight and obese persons is very high, being among the highest recorded in European populations. The obtained results indicate the necessity of introducing better education programmes and conducting regular health controls among citizens in these regions.

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Ten-Year Trends (2000-2010) of Overweight and Obesity Prevalence among the Young and Middle-Aged Adult Population of the Balearic Islands, a Mediterranean Region

Annals of Nutrition and Metabolism ◽

10.1159/000438729 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 67 (2) ◽

pp. 76-80 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Josep L. Coll ◽

Maria del Mar Bibiloni ◽

Rogelio Salas ◽

Josep A. Tur

Keyword(s):

Young Adults ◽

Adult Population ◽

Calculated Data ◽

Fold Increase ◽

Normal Weight ◽

Overweight And Obesity ◽

Balearic Islands ◽

Obesity Prevalence ◽

Middle Aged ◽

Prevalence Of Obesity

Background and Aims: This article aimed at assessing the 10-year trends (2000-2010) in the prevalence of overweight and obesity among the Balearic Islands' adult population. Methods: Body mass index (BMI, kg/m2) for young (18-35 year-olds) and middle-aged (36-55 year-olds) adults living in the Balearics was calculated. Data represented 1,089 people during 1999-2000 and 1,081 people during 2009-2010. The BMI categories were as follows: normal weight (18.5 < 25), overweight (25.0 < 30) and obese (≥30). Results: Weighted frequency estimates and logistic regression analysis were used to calculate overweight and obesity trends. While the prevalence of overweight and obesity mostly remained stable over the 2000-2010 period, the prevalence of obesity increased from 5.1 to 8.3% in young adults (aged 18-35), a 1.66-fold increase in prevalence (95% CI 1.02-2.70) over the study period. Conclusions: Total overweight and obesity prevalence remained stable in the Balearic adult population; however, a rising prevalence of obesity has been observed in young adults, which suggests a need to develop and change current strategies in order to reverse the current trends in obesity among this age group.

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Obesity in 7 - 10-year-old children in urban primary schools in Port Elizabeth

South African Journal of Sports Medicine ◽

10.17159/2413-3108/2014/v26i2a397 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 26 (2) ◽

pp. 55

Author(s):

Joanna McKersie ◽

Maryna Louise Baard

Keyword(s):

Primary Schools ◽

Task Force ◽

Overweight And Obesity ◽

Future Research ◽

Obesity Prevalence ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Paediatric Obesity ◽

Prevalence Of Obesity ◽

Quantitative Descriptive ◽

Level Of Significance

Objective. The primary aim of this study was to quantify the prevalence of overweight and obesity among urban 7 - 10-year-old children in affluent (quintile 5) English-medium primary schools in Port Elizabeth.Method. A quantitative, descriptive one-way cross-sectional research design utilising random sampling was used. A once-off survey consisted of anthropometrical assessment of body mass index (BMI) according to standardised procedures. To classify children into weight categories, the International Obesity Task Force z-score BMI cut-off criteria were used. Post-hoc analysis consisted of one-way analysis of variance and χ2 tests. Level of significance was set at p<0.05. A total of 713 children participated in the study.Results. Overweight prevalence was 20.9% (n=149) and obesity prevalence was 9.8% (n=70). A significant interaction was found for overweight and obesity levels by gender and age (F=7.2, p=0.01). Of the boys (N=372) 18.5% (n=69) were overweight and 6.9% (n=26) were obese. The girls (N=341) had a 23.5% (n=80) overweight rate and 12,9% (n=44) were obese. The highest prevalence of overweight (24.7%, n=43, N=174) was found in children aged 10, and the highest prevalence of obesity (12.5%, n=21, N=167) was found in children aged 8. Conclusion. Results highlighted the rising prevalence of overweight and obesity among urban children from economically privileged settings. Future research into paediatric obesity is needed to curb the growing incidence.

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OBESITY

The Professional Medical Journal ◽

10.29309/tpmj/2011.18.03.2375 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 18 (03) ◽

pp. 489-493

Author(s):

FARHEEN UMAR QURESHI ◽

JAWAD HUSSAIN ◽

ANWAR SAOOD SAQIB

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Private Schools ◽

Private School ◽

Age Groups ◽

Developed Countries ◽

Obese Individual ◽

Overweight And Obesity ◽

Government Schools ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Prevalence Of Obesity

Background: The problem of overweight and obesity is not confined only to developed countries but is also widely prevalent in developing countries. The study under report relates to determining prevalence of obesity and overweight in adolescent school boys. Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of overweight and obesity in boys of public and private secondary schools, Faisalabad, and to relate it with their dietary style and physical activity. Study Design: Cross sectional and institutional based study. Methods: A total of 600 school boys of different age groups from the classes 6th to 10th were randomly selected and included for anthropometric measurements to categorize them into normal, overweight and obese individual. Their diet pattern and physical activity records were taken to correlate it with the obesity level. Results: The collected data revealed that 423 (70.5%) boys were normal. Whereas 98 (16.3%) were found to be overweight. Out of these, 72 (24.0%) were from private schools; while 26 (8.7%) were from government schools. Only 6 (2.0%) fell into obese category, and all belonged to private schools. No one was found to be obese in government schools. Mean ± SD weights (kg) in government and private school boys were 50.93 ± 7.18 and 56.34 ± 11.94, respectively whereas mean ± SD heights (m) of government and private schools boys were found to be 1.55 ± 6.64 and 1.56 ± 7.92 respectively. The data was statistically analyzed which exhibited significant relation with weight and BMI value. Conclusions: The prevalence of overweight was significantly higher in boys who ate junk foods and spent more time in watching television and sitting before computers. The findings of this study was found in agreement with certain earlier studies that revealed prevalence of obesity is to be on the increase among the private school boys of the area. It is, therefore, emphasized that regular physical exercise, regulated television viewing, doing household activities, balanced diet and healthy eating habits should be motivated in school children to ensure control of overweight and obesity, in this class of children.

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Rapidly increasing prevalence of overweight and obesity in older Ghanaian adults from 2007-2015: evidence from WHO-SAGE Waves 1 & 2

10.1101/591222 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Stella T. Lartey ◽

Costan G. Magnussen ◽

Lei Si ◽

Godfred O. Boateng ◽

Barbara de Graaff ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Weight Status ◽

Household Wealth ◽

Normal Weight ◽

Overweight And Obesity ◽

Activity Level ◽

Sub Saharan Africa ◽

Central Adiposity ◽

Obesity Prevalence ◽

Prevalence Of Obesity

AbstractBackgroundStudies on changes in the prevalence and determinants of obesity in older adults living in sub-Saharan Africa are limited. We examined recent changes in obesity prevalence and associated factors for older adults in Ghana between 2007/08 and 2014/15.MethodsData on adults aged 50 years and older in Ghana were collected in the WHO SAGE Wave 1 (2007/08; n=4158) and Wave 2 (2014/15; n=1663). The weighted prevalence of obesity, overweight, normal weight and underweight, and of high central adiposity was compared in Waves 1 and 2. Multinomial and binomial logistic regressions were used to examine whether the determinants of weight status based on objectively measured body mass index and waist circumference changed between the two survey periods.ResultsThe prevalence of obesity (Wave 1=10.2%, 95% CI: 8.9-11.7%; Wave 2=15.0%, 95% CI: 12.6-17.7%) and overweight (Wave 1=19.6%, 95% CI: 18.0-21.4%; Wave 2=24.5%, 95% CI: 21.7-27.5%) was higher in Wave 2 than Wave 1 and more than half of the population had high central adiposity (Wave 1=57.7%, 95% CI: 55.4-60.1%; Wave 2=66.9%, 95% CI: 63.7-70.0%) in both study periods. Obesity prevalence was 16% lower in males and 55% higher in females comparing Wave 1 to Wave 2. Female sex, urban residence, and high household wealth were associated with higher odds of overweight/obesity and high central adiposity. Those aged 70+ years had lower odds of obesity in both study waves. In Wave 2, females with physical activity level were more likely to be obese.ConclusionOver the 7-year period between survey waves, the population prevalence of overweight and obesity increased by 25% and 47%, respectively, while underweight reduced by 43%. These findings differed considerably by sex, which points to differential impacts of past initiatives to reduce overweight/obesity, potential high-risk groups in Ghana, and the need to increase surveillance.

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