A study of the prevalence of generalized obesity, abdominal obesity, regional adiposity, and metabolic syndrome among young adults

Abstract

Background: Overweight, obesity, and metabolic syndrome (MetS) are rapidly increasing in India. Aims and Objectives: This study demonstrated the prevalence of generalized, abdominal obesity including intra-abdominal and subcutaneous adiposity along with other associated factors in young adults. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 200 subjects. The anthropometric parameters (body mass index [BMI], waist circumference [WC], and skinfold thickness), fasting blood glucose (FBG), and blood pressure were recorded. Percentage of body fat (BF), total abdominal fat (TAF), intra-abdominal adipose tissue (IAAT), subcutaneous adipose tissue (SCAT), and basal metabolic rate (BMR) were measured by predictive equations. Data were analyzed using t-test, analysis of variance, and Pearson’s correlation tests. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The prevalence of generalized obesity (GO) (by BMI [>25 kg/m2]) was 11%. The prevalence of abdominal obesity according to WC was 17 %, whereas that measured by TAF was 8%. Increased IAAT was more in females (26.02%) as compared to males (8%) with overall prevalence 16.5%. The overall prevalence of SCAT was 27%, more in males (41.56%) as compared to females (17.89%). The prevalence of impaired FBG was 19% (prediabetic), MetS 5.5%, hypertension according to systolic blood pressure 6%, and according to diastolic blood pressure 13%. The predictive BMR was significantly higher with obese subjects as compared to healthy members in both sexes (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The prevalence of GO, abdominal obesity, regional adiposity, and MetS among young adults necessitates public health intervention.