Prevalence of Overweight and Central Obesity Among South Western Nigerian Young Adults

Abstract

Obesity is a global problem and is increasing at an alarming rate; it is also one of the leading preventable causes of death. This study was aimed at determining the prevalence of overweight and central obesity among young adults and to identify risk factors for overweight and obesity. A cross sectional study of 60 students comprising 35 females and 25 males of Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences and Faculty of Clinical Science, Olabisi Onabanjo University Shagamu was conducted. Data was generated via a 28-item structured questionnaire to obtain socio-demographic characteristics, dietary habits, social history, and relevant medical history. Physical measurements assessed included weight and height (to derive BMI), waist and hip circumference (to derive waist to hip ratio), pulse rate and blood pressure, percentage body fat was also calculated. Biochemical measurements included fasting blood glucose, lipid profile, albumin and packed cell volume. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 12.0 for statistics. The prevalence of obesity was found to be low (3.3%) while overweight (15%) is an evolving problem. Central obesity was found to be 20% in (males) and 2.9% in (females). Blood pressure was significantly higher in males than in females (P value > 0.05) while pulse rate was also significantly higher in females than in males (P value > 0.05). Prevalence of risk factors for obesity such as cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and diabetes mellitus type 2 is low. Meanwhile predisposing factors to obesity such as inappropriate dietary habit and social habit as well as physical inactivity was elevated.