High body fat percentage among adult women in Malaysia: the role of lifestyle

Abstract

Body fat percentage is regarded as an important measurement for diagnosis of obesity. The
aim of this study is to determine the association of high body fat percentage (BF%) and
lifestyle among adult women. The study was conducted on 327 women, aged 40-59 years,
recruited during a health screening program. Data on socio-demography, dietary intake and
physical activity were collected through validated questionnaires. BF% was measured using
InBody 270 Body Impedance analyzer machine. Association between lifestyle factors and
body fat percentage were investigated using multiple linear regression, adjusted for age and
body mass index (BMI). Intake of protein, calcium and physical activity on household
intensity were the predictors of high BF%.

Keywords: body fat; obesity; women; Malaysia; lifestyle.