The prevalence of obesity among female teachers of child-bearing age in Ghana

Obesity has increasingly become a public health problem in both developed and developing countries. In Ghana, the prevalence of obesity has been found to be high particularly among women. The rising trend of obesity in Ghana is worrying as studies have shown an increased risk of morbidity, disability and mortality associated with obesity. This study examined the prevalence of obesity among Ghanaian teachers of child-bearing age. A cross-sectional survey was conducted on 400 female teachers between the ages of 18 and 49 years from two sub-metropolitan areas in Accra District, Ghana. A questionnaire was used to gather information on the socioeconomic status, body mass index (BMI), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), alcohol intake, physical activity and food intake. Appropriate statistical methods were used to determine the association between variables. The mean age, BMI and WHR were 35.9 ± 8.2 years, 27.2±5.3 kgm-2 and 0.79±0.07 respectively. About 34% of the women were overweight while 27% were found to be obese with 17.8% centrally-obese. The WHR ratio, however, classified majority (57%) of the women as low risk. There was a strong positive correlation between BMI and WHR with age. This means that as women aged, both BMI and WHR increased. The prevalence of obesity for a woman above 35years was about four times higher than the prevalence among the younger age group (<25years) and two times higher than that of the middle age group (26-35years). This study found that at any age group underweight, overweight and obesity co-existed. Socioeconomic variables such as marital status, income and parity showed a positive association with BMI and waist circumference. Consumption of fruits and vegetables was observed to be low among respondents. This study recommends that measures such as healthy eating guidelines supported by vigorous physical activities should be put in place in schools to help teachers maintain healthy body weights (BMI 19-25) in order to prevent the risk of obesity and its related life threatening effects.

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Prevalence of thinness, overweight and obesity among Tibetan adolescents aged 12-17 years

Public Health Nutrition ◽

10.1017/s1368980021000215 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-17

Author(s):

Yunfei Zhang ◽

Jiahong Sun ◽

Min Zhao ◽

Costan G. Magnussen ◽

Xi Bo

Keyword(s):

Sampling Method ◽

Total Sample ◽

Overweight And Obesity ◽

Cluster Sampling ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Clear Trend ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Prevalence Of Obesity ◽

Study Participants

Abstract Objective: To estimate the prevalence of thinness, overweight and obesity among Tibetan adolescents aged 12-17 years. Design: Cross-sectional survey. Setting: Shigatse city of Tibet municipality, with an average altitude of more than 4000 m. Subjects: Study participants included 2,642 adolescents aged 12-17 years selected from 6 schools using a convenient cluster sampling method. Results: The prevalence of thinness/overweight/obesity among Tibetan adolescents was 9.4%/5.4%/1.4% (China definition), 14.7%/4.4%/0.7% (IOTF definition), and 2.8%/5.7%/0.9% (WHO definition). The prevalence of thinness and overweight was significantly different between both sexes based on each of three BMI classification criteria (P <0.001). There was no significant difference in the prevalence of obesity between both sexes according to each of three BMI criteria. There was no clear trend in the prevalence of thinness across ages according to the China or IOTF definition (both P >0.05), whereas an upward trend was observed for thinness in boys according to the IOTF definition (P for trend <0.05). In contrast, the prevalence of thinness tended to decrease with increasing age in girls according to the IOTF definition, and in total sample according to the WHO definition (P for trend <0.05). Conclusions: Among Tibetan adolescents, the prevalence of overweight and obesity is relatively low, while the prevalence of thinness is high, especially in boys. These data suggest urgent attention is needed to control adolescent thinness in Tibet.

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Association of high birth weight with overweight and obesity in Chinese students aged 6–18 years: a national, cross-sectional study in China

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2018-024532 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 9 (5) ◽

pp. e024532 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Zhiyong Zou ◽

Zhongping Yang ◽

Zhaogeng Yang ◽

Xijie Wang ◽

Di Gao ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Birth Weight ◽

Age Groups ◽

Chinese Students ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Overweight And Obesity ◽

High Birth Weight ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Anthropometric Parameters ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Increased Risk

BackgroundThe prevalence of childhood overweight and obesity in China has drastically increased 57 times over the past 30 years, and to control birth weight is an effective way to reduce the risk of overweight and obesity across the life course.ObjectiveThis paper aimed to evaluate the association of high birth weight (HBW) with overweight and obesity in Chinese students aged 6–18 years.MethodsAll students with HBW (n=4981) aged 6–18 years were selected from a cross-sectional survey from seven provinces of China, and 4981 other students with normal birth weight (NBW) were randomly sampled with matched gender, age and province. Anthropometric parameters were measured and characteristics were collected by questionnaires. Multiple logistic regression was used to estimate the OR of overweight and obesity with HBW, unadjusted and adjusted for confounding factors.ResultsParticipants with HBW revealed higher body mass index in childhood. The prevalence of overweight and obesity was significantly higher in the HBW group than in the NBW group (overweight 15.3% vs 13.1%, p<0.05; obesity 16.9% vs 10.6%, p<0.05), and the results were similar for overweight in all age groups except age 6–7, age 14–15 and age 16–18. Additionally, HBW was positively associated with overweight (OR=1.230; 95% CI 1.056 to 1.432) and obesity (OR=1.611; 95% CI 1.368 to 1.897) after adjustment for covariates.ConclusionsHBW leads to an increased risk of overweight and obesity in childhood; thus, measures to control birth weight, such as controlling gestational weight gain, should be taken from the earliest beginning of life.Trial registration numberNCT02343588; Post-results.

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PREVALENCE OF OBESITY AMONG HIGH SCHOOL CHILDREN IN DAKSHINA KANNADA AND UDUPI DISTRICTS

Journal of Health and Allied Sciences NU ◽

10.1055/s-0040-1703533 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 01 (04) ◽

pp. 16-20 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Keerthan Kumar M. ◽

Prashanth K. ◽

Kavya Elizabeth Baby ◽

Kavya Rashmi Rao ◽

Kumarkrishna B. ◽

...

Keyword(s):

High School ◽

School Children ◽

Nuclear Family ◽

Public Health Problem ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Overweight And Obesity ◽

Major Public Health Problem ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Fried Foods ◽

Prevalence Of Obesity

Abstract Objective: The aim of this project is to find out the prevalence of overweight and obesity in the high school children in selected schools of Mangalore and Manipal and also to study the association of obesity with different factors like Age, Sex, Physical activity etc. Methods: Cross sectional Study which included 500 participants from 10 selected schools in Udupi and D.K districts. 50 students were rd included from each school on the basis of 1 in 5 choosing every 3rd student. In schools with lesser attendance all were included. Following which they were explained the details about the study. Then their height and weight were recorded using standard measurements and the data was collected using the questionnaire. Results: The overall prevalence of obesity and overweight was found to be 2.6% and 3.0% respectively. Prevalence was found to be higher in males, those studying in private schools, staying in nuclear family, consuming fried foods-aerated drinks regularly and in those who do not exercise regularly. Conclusions: Childhood obesity is a major public health problem globally because of changes in lifestyle.

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Prevalence of Type 2 Diabetes and Associated Risk Factors Among Saharawi Refugees (P10-071-19)

Current Developments in Nutrition ◽

10.1093/cdn/nzz034.p10-071-19 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Sigrun Henjum ◽

Victoria Telle Hjellset ◽

Marte Karoline Raberg Kjollesdal ◽

Merethe Flaaten ◽

Eivind Andersen ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Type 2 Diabetes ◽

Waist Circumference ◽

Overweight And Obesity ◽

Refugee Camps ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Associated Risk Factors

Abstract Objectives Economic development, globalization and urbanization has resulted in a shift in dietary consumption and energy expenditure in low- and middle-income countries, called the Nutrition Transition. At the same time, the prevalence of type 2 diabetes (T2D) and associated co-morbidities are rising worldwide. The Saharawi refugees have been living in refugee camps in the Algerian desert since 1975 and are totally dependent on food aid. High prevalence of overweight and obesity has been reported among Saharawi women. Limited knowledge about the prevalence of T2D and associated risk factors exists in this population; therefore, the aim with this study was to address this gap in the literature. Methods A cross-sectional survey was carried out in five Saharawi refugee camps, in Algeria and 180 women and 175 men were randomly selected. Participants’ blood glucose levels was assessed by HbA1c measurements and diagnosed with diabetes if HbA1c ≥48 mmol/mol and prediabetes if HbA1c was between 42–47 mmol/mol. The Finnish Diabetes Risk Score (FINDRISK) was used to assess various risk factors for T2D. Results Mean HbA1c among the Saharawi refugees was 38 mmol/mol. Seven and 15% were diagnosed with T2D and prediabetes, respectively, and 26% and 19% were overweight and obese, respectively. According to FINDRISK, 9% of the participants had high risk of developing diabetes, 10% had moderate risk, 37% had some risk and 44% had low risk. In multiple logistic regression models, after controlling for age, gender, number of children, BMI and education, the strongest predictor for diabetes was waist circumference, OR (95% CI): 1.1 (1.0, 1.1). The strongest predictor for prediabetes was age and waist circumference OR (95% CI): 1.0 (1.0, 1.1) and OR (95% CI): 1.1 (1.0, 1.1), respectively. Conclusions We found moderate prevalence of diabetes among the Saharawi refugees; however a high proportion had prediabetes and were suffering from overweight and obesity. In light of this, the rates of T2D are likely to increase dramatically in the near future. The Saharawi health authorities should pay attention to the increased risk of diabetes in this in this vulnerable population. Funding Sources Oslo Metropolitan University.

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Analyses of the anthropometric data from the North/South Ireland Food Consumption Survey

Public Health Nutrition ◽

10.1079/phn2001191 ◽

2001 ◽

Vol 4 (5a) ◽

pp. 1099-1106 ◽

Cited By ~ 23

Author(s):

SN McCarthy ◽

KE Harrington ◽

M Kiely ◽

A Flynn ◽

PJ Robson ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Body Composition ◽

Waist Circumference ◽

Irish Population ◽

Anthropometric Data ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

High Waist Circumference ◽

The North ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Prevalence Of Obesity

AbstractObjectiveTo obtain measured anthropometric data for weight, height and other parameters not previously measured in the Irish population such as waist and hip circumferences and body composition.DesignA cross-sectional survey. Weight, height, waist circumference, hip circumference and body composition were measured according to standard procedures.SettingNorthern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, 1997–1999.SubjectsRandom representative sample of 1379 adults aged 18–64 years. Results: With the exception of body fat, all anthropometric values were significantly higher for men than women (P < 0.001). All measurements were significantly higher in the 36–50-year-old age group compared with 18–35 year olds. Height was the exception, which decreased significantly with age (P < 0.05). Weight, height and body mass index (BMI) have increased in Ireland since last measured in 1988 and in 1990. Over the last decade, obesity has increased in men 2.5 fold from 8% to 20% and in women by 1.25 fold from 13% to 16%. Significantly more women have a normal BMI than men (50.4% vs. 33.3%; P < 0.05). Cut-off points for a high waist circumference and high waist-to-hip ratio identified 47% and 33% of the population, respectively, to be at an increased risk for cardiovascular disease. Social class did not have any significant effect on mean BMI. Location of residence influenced BMI but not in any consistent manner. Ex-smokers had a significantly higher BMI than nonsmokers and smokers (P < 0.05).ConclusionsA revision of current recommendations for combating obesity is warranted to improve the health of the Irish population. Further research is needed to identify the factors that have contributed to the dramatic increase in the prevalence of obesity in men over the last decade and have resulted in a higher prevalence of obesity in men than in women.

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Prevalence of obesity and overweight among urban adults in Bulgaria

Public Health Nutrition ◽

10.1017/s1368980008002061 ◽

2008 ◽

Vol 11 (12) ◽

pp. 1407-1410 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Lumdila Ivanova ◽

Plamen Dimitrov ◽

Jocilyn Dellava ◽

Daniel Hoffman

Keyword(s):

Disease Risk ◽

Nutrition Transition ◽

Overweight And Obesity ◽

Analysis Of Covariance ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

New Information ◽

Prevalence Of Obesity ◽

And Gender ◽

Gender Groups

AbstractObjectiveThe prevalence of obesity is increasing in transitional countries, but extensive data on some countries, such as Bulgaria, are still lacking. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to estimate the prevalence of overweight and obesity, relative to gender and income, among adults in Sofia, Bulgaria.DesignCross-sectional survey to collect data on diet, health, BMI and income using a brief questionnaire on diet and income. Data were analysed using analysis of covariance to determine differences within and between income and gender groups.SettingSofia, Bulgaria.SubjectsAdults living in the city of Sofia, Bulgaria.ResultsFor adults 30–60 years of age, 35·1 % were overweight and 6·2 % were obese. The proportion of overweight and obesity was higher among men than women (44·8 % v. 32·4 % and 6·0 % v. 4·7 %, respectively). With respect to income, BMI decreased as income increased. For men, BMI was highest for the lowest and highest income groups, whereas for women lower income was associated with a higher BMI.ConclusionThe prevalence of overweight and obesity appears to be an emerging problem in some sectors of Bulgarian society, based on our data from the largest urban area of the country. These data provide new information on the divergence in health and disease risk in a country that is still economically challenged and may be facing the nutrition transition.

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Prevalence of Anemia and Associated Factors in Child Bearing Age Women in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism ◽

10.1155/2013/636585 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 2013 ◽

pp. 1-7 ◽

Cited By ~ 9

Author(s):

AlJohara M. AlQuaiz ◽

Ashry Gad Mohamed ◽

Tawfik A. M. Khoja ◽

Abdullah AlSharif ◽

Shaffi Ahamed Shaikh ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Saudi Arabia ◽

Complete Blood Count ◽

Deficiency Anemia ◽

Cluster Sampling ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Cellular Analysis ◽

Child Bearing ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Prevalence Of Anemia

Objective. To determine the prevalence and risk factors for anemia in child bearing age women in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.Design. Cross-sectional survey was conducted using two-stage cluster sampling. 25 clusters (primary health care centers (PHCC)) were identified from all over Riyadh, and 45–50 households were randomly selected from each cluster. Eligible women were invited to PHCC for questionnaire filling, anthropometric measurements, and complete blood count. Blood hemoglobin was measured with Coulter Cellular Analysis System using light scatter method.Setting. PHCC.Subjects. 969 (68%) women out of 1429 women were included in the analysis.Results. Mean hemoglobin was 12.35 (±1.80) g/dL, 95% CI 12.24–12.46 with interquartile range of 1.9. Anemia (Hb <12 g/dL) was present in 40% (390) women. Mean (±SD) for MCH, MCV, MCHC, and RDW was 79.21 (±12.17) fL, 26.37 (±6.21) pg, 32.36 (±4.91) g/dL, and 14.84 (±4.65)%, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression revealed that having family history of iron deficiency anemia (OR 2.91, 95% CI 1.78–4.76) and infrequent intake of meat (OR 1.54, 95%CI 1.15–2.05) were associated with increased risk of anemia, whereas increasing body mass index (OR 0.95, 95% CI 0.92–0.97) was associated with reduced risk of anemia.Conclusion. Women should be educated about proper diet and reproductive issues in order to reduce the prevalence of anemia in Saudi Arabia.

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Factors associated with overweight in children in Rasht, Iran: gender, maternal education, skipping breakfast and parental obesity

Public Health Nutrition ◽

10.1017/s1368980009990589 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 13 (2) ◽

pp. 196-200 ◽

Cited By ~ 39

Author(s):

Moshen Maddah ◽

Bahareh Nikooyeh

Keyword(s):

Elementary Schools ◽

Maternal Education ◽

Overweight And Obesity ◽

Health Concern ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Social Differences ◽

Policy Makers ◽

Prevalence Of Obesity ◽

Skipping Breakfast

AbstractObjectiveThe present study aimed to investigate the determinants of overweight and obesity among 6- to 11-year-old schoolchildren in Rasht, Iran.DesignCross-sectional survey. Data on age, weekly frequency of skipping breakfast, physical activity and hours of television viewing were collected. Information on birth weight, parental age, parental educational levels, parental weight and height, and mother’s employment status were gathered through self-administrated questionnaires given to the parents.SettingElementary schools in Rasht.SubjectsA total of 6635 children (3551 boys and 3084 girls) attending elementary schools in Rasht were studied.ResultsThe overall prevalence of overweight was 11·5 % and 15·0 % for boys and girls, respectively; while the overall prevalence of obesity was 5·0 % and 5·9 %, respectively. Children with more educated mothers had a higher prevalence of overweight than children with less educated mothers. Logistic regression analysis showed that children with overweight/obese parents, children with more educated mothers and children who often skipped breakfast were more prone to overweight and obesity.ConclusionsThese data suggest that overweight and obesity is a public health concern in this age group in Rasht. The observed sex and social differences in the prevalence of overweight and obesity call for policy makers’ attention.

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THE PREVALENCE OF, AND FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH, OVERWEIGHT AND OBESITY IN BOTSWANA

Journal of Biosocial Science ◽

10.1017/s0021932010000519 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 43 (1) ◽

pp. 75-84 ◽

Cited By ~ 33

Author(s):

GOBOPAMANG LETAMO

Keyword(s):

Demographic Factors ◽

Public Health Problem ◽

Overweight And Obesity ◽

Obese Women ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Important Public Health Problem ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Factors Associated ◽

Socio Demographic Factors ◽

Multistage Sampling

SummaryThe aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of, and socio-demographic factors associated with, overweight and obesity in Botswana. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 2007 using a multistage sampling method to select a representative sample of 4107 men and 4916 women aged 20–49 years. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify the socio-demographic factors associated with overweight and obesity. Mean BMI values for men and women were 21.7 kg/m2 and 24.4 kg/m2, respectively. Both overweight and obesity levels were higher among women than men. Overall, 23% of women were overweight compared with 13% of men. Obese women constituted about 15% compared with only 3% of men. However, 19% of men were underweight compared with 12% of women. The main socio-demographic factors associated with overweight and obesity were being older, living in a city/town, being married and having attained higher levels of education, and these relationships were statistically significant at the 5% level. Although over-nutrition is prevalent among adult female Batswana, underweight remains an important public health problem for males. Programmes and other interventions aimed at concurrently addressing both under-nutrition and overweight need to be developed.

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Physical Activity, Sedentary Behavior and the Risk of Overweight and Obesity in School-Aged Children

Pediatric Exercise Science ◽

10.1123/pes.2016-0234 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 29 (3) ◽

pp. 408-418 ◽

Cited By ~ 23

Author(s):

Eimear Keane ◽

Xia Li ◽

Janas M. Harrington ◽

Anthony P. Fitzgerald ◽

Ivan J. Perry ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Sedentary Behavior ◽

Screen Time ◽

Sedentary Time ◽

Vigorous Physical Activity ◽

Overweight And Obesity ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Independent Association

Purpose:Globally, public health policies are targeting modifiable lifestyle behaviors. We explore the independent association of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and sedentary behavior on the risk of childhood overweight/obesity.Method:A cross-sectional survey of children aged 8–11 years (N = 826). Objective body mass index was used to classify children as normal weight or overweight/obese. Children wore wrist-worn Geneactiv accelerometers for 7-days and thresholds were applied to categorize MVPA and sedentary time. Screen time (ST) was parent reported. Poisson regression examined the independent association of (1) MVPA (2), objective sedentary time and (3) ST on the risk of overweight/obesity.Results:Overall, 23.7% (95% CI, 20.8–26.6%) of children were overweight/obese. On average, children spent 10.8% of waking time at MVPA and 61.3% sedentary. One-fifth (22.1%, 95% CI, 19.3–25.0%) of children achieved MVPA recommendations (≥ 60 min each day) and 17.5% (95% CI, 14.9–20.1%) met ST recommendations (<2 hr per day). Time spent at MVPA was inversely associated with the risk of overweight/obese independent of total sedentary time. Total time spent sedentary was not associated with overweight/obese independent of MVPA. ST was associated with an increased risk of overweight/obese independent of physical activity.Conclusion:Few schoolchildren met physical activity and screen time recommendations suggesting population based measures are needed.

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