Prevalence of Generalized Obesity, Abdominal Obesity, Hypertension, and Type 2 Diabetes among Adults in Calabar Metropolis, Cross River State, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Developed and developing countries worldwide are witnessing high rates of obesity, which are generalized and abdominal  obesity, along with related chronic disorders, particularly non-communicable diseases that lead to increasing morbidity and mortality.  This study aimed to assess the prevalence of generalized obesity, abdominal obesity, hypertension, and type 2 diabetes (cardiovascular  risk factors) among adults in Calabar Metropolis.
Methods: It was a cross-sectional study involving 500 randomly selected adults aged 20 to 70 years, utilizing a multistage sampling  technique. The study adopted the WHO standard methods for data collection on noncommunicable diseases. Data were analyzed using  frequency, percentages, and chi-square, with significant differences recorded at p<0.05.
Results: The prevalence of generalized obesity was 24%, and overweight was 33%, while abdominal obesity was higher among females  (39.3%) than males (20%). Respondents with known/diagnosed hypertension and diabetes were 26.6% and 5.2%, respectively.  Significantly (P<0.05), more abdominally obese diabetic males (72.2%) were observed than abdominally obese diabetic females (62.5%),  and more abdominally obese hypertensive males (56.9%) were recorded than abdominally obese hypertensive females (41.0%).  Conclusions: A high prevalence of obesity and hypertension was identified as public health problems in the study area. Therefore,  nutritionists and dietitians in the metropolis should intensify efforts to provide the necessary professional and community services,  including awareness creation on obesity and related non-communicable diseases. Such interventions as proper dietary counseling and  routine follow-ups for individuals diagnosed with the prevailing conditions are strongly recommended.