Prevalence of Overweight and Obesity in Selected Semiurban Communities in Delta State Nigeria

Abstract

Introduction: There is an on-going epidemiological transition in present-day developing countries, like Nigeria, with the adoption of western civilization  and lifestyle. This has been implicated as a contributory factor to the rising scourge of obesity and overweight.

Materials & Methods: This was a cross- sectional survey of 886 adult participants drawn from six selected semi-urban communities in Delta State at the free health promotion program  organized by Seplat Petroleum Development Company Nigeria Limited in collaboration with the Medical Women's Association of Nigeria (MWAN), Delta  State branch between March and April 2012. Secondary data obtained from participants which included their age, sex, weight, height and the calculated  body mass 2 index (BMI, obtained by dividing the weight (kg) by the square of the height in metres ) were analysed.

Results: A total of 886 participants  were recruited with their age ranging between 18 - 100 years. There were 293 (33.1%) males and 593 (66.9%) females. The mean (± standard error of  mean) age and body  mass index was 48.9 (±0.50) years and 25.8 (±0.20)kg/m respectively. The prevalence of obesity and overweight were 23.1% and  26.1% respectively. The prevalence of obesity was statistically significantly  higher among females (χ² = 37.554, p <0.001) and this peaked in those within  the age-group of 45-  54years (χ² = 84.388, df = 18, p <0.001).

Conclusion: Obesity and overweight are common with about half of the study population  having a BMI  >25.0kg/m . Concerted efforts should be made to promote healthy lifestyle in these communities.