Prevalence and Determinants of Overweight and Obesity in a National Sample of 13–19 Year Old Lebanese Adolescents

Abstract

The objectives of this study were to estimate the prevalence of overweight and obesity among Lebanese adolescents and to assess their socio‐demographic, lifestyle and dietary determinants. A nationally representative sample (N=446) of male and female 13–19 year old Lebanese adolescents were studied. Anthropometric, dietary, socio‐demographic variables were collected. The association between dietary patterns and overweight (including obesity) was also examined. Prevalence rates of obesity according to WHO 2007 standards were higher among males as compared to females (19.1% and 4.5%). Family history of obesity and sedentary levels were positively associated with overweight (OR=1.11) while female gender was negatively associated with overweight (OR=0.48). Higher odds of overweight were observed among adolescent boys with the highest intake of fat (OR=2.64) while lower odds were observed among adolescents with the highest intake of carbohydrates and fibers (OR= 0.50). Of the two dietary patterns identified (Western &Traditional), the Traditional was associated with lower odds of obesity (OR= 0.35). Findings of this study classify Lebanon among counties with high prevalence of male adolescent obesity. The identified determinants of overweight and obesity shed light on areas to be addressed and call for interventions and policy strategies to limit this epidemic in the country.