Magnitudes of overweight and obesity among adult and associated factors in jigjiga town, Somali region, Ethiopia

Abstract

Overweight and obesity are major worldwide health concerns, with serious consequences for mortality and morbidity. Overweight and obesity rates are frighteningly high in Sub-Saharan Africa, particularly Nigeria and Ethiopia, due to a variety of causes such as urbanization, greater affluence, and bad food habits. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of overweight and obesity among people in Jigjiga Town, Somali Region, Eastern Ethiopia, as well as to investigate related factors in order to inform treatments and policy. A cross-sectional survey was done among persons aged 20 to 64 working in the government, non-governmental, and commercial sectors. Socio-demographic information, food habits, physical activity, and anthropometric measures were all recorded. The overall prevalence of overweight and obesity was shown to be 42.4 %, with significant correlations identified with profession and TV viewing habits. Employed people were less likely to be overweight or obese than those in commerce/trade, and those who watched TV for 2–3 h had a reduced risk than those who watched less than 2 h. The study found that khat chewing is significantly associated with an increased risk of overweight and obesity, with chewers being 1.56 times more likely to be overweight or obese compared to non-chewers. Additionally, there is an inverse relationship between snacking frequency and overweight/obesity risk; participants who snacked once a day were 2.5 times more likely to be overweight or obese than those who snacked three or more times a day. These findings highlight that khat chewing and snacking patterns are important modifiable risk factors for overweight and obesity in the studied population. These findings highlight the need of focused treatments targeting food choices, physical activity, and sedentary behavior in combating overweight and obesity in Eastern Ethiopia. Collaboration among academics, policymakers, healthcare professionals, and community stakeholders is critical for developing successful methods for promoting healthy lifestyles and lowering the region's overweight and obesity burden.