Nutritional status and the risk of obesity among market women in Offa Local Government Area, Kwara State

Abstract

Background: Obesity has been declared a global epidemic and linked to nutrition transition in developing nations.

Objective: This study assessed the nutritional status and risk of obesity amongst market women in Offa, Kwara State.

Methods: A total of 353 market women were sampled. Data were collected using a pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire adapted from WHO STEP-wise approach to surveillance-instrument. Anthropometric measurements [(Weight, Height, Waist circumference (WC), Hip circumference (HC)] were conducted using standard procedures. Nutrients intake was estimated using 24-hr dietary recall. Body Mass Index (BMI) and Waist Hip Ratio (WHR) were calculated and compared with WHO standard. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics while Pearson product mean correlation was used to establish relationship between variables.

Results: The result shows that 70.8% of the respondents were between 31 – 60 years, while 25.1% were above 60 years. About 71.9% engaged in moderate physical activities, 28.1% engaged in light activities. Majority (77.3%) ate three times daily, 8.5% ate more than three times daily. BMI classification revealed that 25.2%, 29.2% and 41.6% were normal, overweight and obese, respectively. Dietary intake revealed that nutrient intake was more than 100% RDA for energy, protein, carbohydrate, fat, vitamin B12, iron, and calcium. There was a significant association 12 between body mass index, and body fat, body mass index and waist hip ratio of respondents (r=0.453, p < 0.05).

Conclusion: Overweight and obesity rate were high, low physical activity level and sedentary lifestyles were observed, nutrient intakes showed excess consumption of calories. There is need for...

Keywords: Nutritional status, Obesity risk, Market women