Prevalence of obesity and physical inactivity in Assam, India: Findings from cancer risk factor monitoring survey

Abstract

Physical inactivity and obesity have been causing a serious health risk mostly in developed countries, but the threat has also been in the low- and middle-income countries. According to the World Health Organization, excessive fat deposition in the body results in overweight and obesity. Many chronic illness such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer as well are attributed due to obesity. Physical activity has tremendous health benefits in preventing noncommunicable diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and diabetes and is a means of primary prevention. The aim of the survey was to generate the prevalence of insufficient physical activity, overweight, and obesity as cancer risk factors and estimate health system response in Assam, Northeastern Region of India. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This survey was undertaken as a part of Cancer Research in the North East Region, a multidisciplinary program run by the ICMR-NCDIR, Bengaluru, to prevent and control cancer in the northeastern states. The survey adapted the multistage cluster random sampling method for the cancer profile in the PBCR covering areas in Assam. Study Population – The target population for the survey was defined as all residents aged 18 years or above. RESULTS: The percentage of prevalence of overweight (body mass index [BMI] ≥25.0) by place of residence shows that 21.8% were urban and 11.5% were rural. Gender wise, 10.9% were male and 17.4 were female, of the total 14.1%. Prevalence of obesity (BMI ≥30.0) by place of residence shows 4.3% urban 1.3% rural, while in terms of gender, 1.5% of males and 2.8% of females. The total percent is 2.1%. 95.0% have sufficient physical activity and 5.0% have insufficient physical activity. CONCLUSION: The high prevalence of good physical activity, low prevalence of obesity and overweight and higher prevalence of tobacco consumption in these areas reflect the leading sites of cancers in the registries in Assam. Lifestyle modification and behavioral changes can significantly reduce the burden of cancer and improve health benefits.