Overweight and obesity among elderly Nigerians

Abstract

Introduction: A growing health problem, obesity exacerbates decline in physical function. We determined the prevalence of overweight and obesity and associated risk factors among an elderly Nigerian population. Methods: We screened a stratified, random community sample of 274 persons aged 65 years and older for overweight (BMI 25.0-29.9 kg/m2), obesity (BMI >30 kg/m2), and known risk factors. Results: The overall prevalence of overweight and obesity was 13.5% (95%CI 9.7-18.1%) and 4.7% (2.6-8.0%), respectively. Obesity among females was 7.0% compared with 2.3% among males (OR 3.4; 95%CI 0.9-12.4). Hypertension was more frequent in those overweight or obese (70.0%) than in those of normal weight (43.9%; P=0.002). Hypertension (OR 2.9; 1.3-6.7) and female sex (OR 3.3; 1.4-7.9) were significant risk factors for overweight and obesity in logistic regression. Conclusion: Overweight and obesity affect a substantial proportion of elderly Nigerians and are associated with hypertension, potentially increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Key Words: nutrition, geriatric, Africa, body mass index, epidemiology