Prevalence of obesity, overweight and proteinuria in an urban community in South West Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Obesity is a global health problem and is associated with cardiovascular and renal diseases. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of obesity and to examine its relationship with proteinuria in an urban community in a developing country.

Materials and methods: Survey of 1368 respondents was conducted from March 2006 to 2010 as part of the World Kidney Day activities. Height, weight were measured according to standard  techniques. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated as weight (Kg) divided by height in metres squared (m²). Obesity was  defined as BMI = 30Kg/m² while overweight was defined as BMI 25 -29.9 kg/m² . Dipstick urinalysis for proteinuria was done with combur 3 strips.

Results: The prevalence of obesity and overweight was 22.2% and 32.7% respectively. Women  were more likely to be obese compared with men; mean BMI 27.4 ± 6.0 versus 25.4 ± 4.4 kg/m² p= 0.000. Proteinuria was detected in 4.9% of obese and 4.3% of overweight subjects respectively. Logistic regression analysis showed that excess weight was significantly associated with proteinuria OR 1.93 (95% CI: 1.02 – 3.65 p= 0.04).

Conclusion: Prevalence of overweight and obesity is high among Nigerians. Subjects with excess weight were more likely to have proteinuria. Efforts should be made to control this trend through health education.

Keywords: Excess weight, obesity, proteinuria