Prevalence of Obesity and the Factors Influencing it among Women in a Slum of Mumbai

Abstract

Objective: The objective of the study was to find out the prevalence of obesity in women of a slum population in Mumbai. Various factors relating to obesity were also studied. Study design: Cross sectional community based study design with quantitative method. Material and Methods: 126 female respondents, 18 years and above, were selected in the study by systematic random sampling. Face to face interview was done using a semi structured interview schedule. Height, weight and waist circumference were measured and then Body Mass Index (BMI) and waist hip ratio (WHR) calculated. Results: There was a high incidence of overweight, (32.5%) and obesity class I (20.6%) and class II (6.3%) were found in the study. Abdominal obesity was found in 57.1% of the respondents. Statistically significant values were found in the correlation of obesity and lack of physical activity, non-vegetarian diet and unemployment status. Conclusion: There is a high prevalence of obesity in this study of women in a slum of Mumbai. Correlating factors of obesity in this study were, lack of physical exercise, non-vegetarian diet and unemployment status. Interventions for obesity control were planned.