Abstract
Background: Overweight and obesity are considered as non-communicable diseases (NCDs) risk factors with increasing prevalence worldwide. This nationwide study aimed to determine the socio-demographic determinants of obesity indexes in Iran. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted based on data from the sixth round of nationwide Stepwise approach to surveillance (STEPS) survey in the 31 provinces of Iran in 2011. A total of 9878 people aged ≥20 years were selected using a multi-stage cluster sampling method. Data were collected through three steps questionnaire including ecological, physical and biochemical measurements. We assessed body mass index (BMI), waist circumference(WC) and waist-hip ratio (WHR) as the main indicators of obesity. Results: In this study, the weighted prevalence of overweight and obesity were 34.5% (95% CI:33.6, 35.5) and 21.5% (95% CI: 20.7, 22.3), respectively. The mean ± standard deviation (SD)of BMI among men and women were 25.4±4.4 and 26.9±5.2 kg/m2 respectively. Older age,living alone, having lower education level, being housewife or retired were associated with overweight and obesity (P<0.05). Urbanization was positively associated with BMI and WC.Being obese or overweight was associated with having a history of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), hypertension (HTN) and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Conclusion: The prevalence of overweight in this study was less than global rate while it was vice versa for obesity prevalence. Some socio-demographic characteristics were identified as determinants of obesity which should be considered for planning preventive and control action plans.
Highlights
Overweight and obesity are the major risk factors for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), elevated blood pressure (BP), cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), some cancers and musculoskeletal disorders.[1]
The age group of 20-29 years old had the highest percentage of participants (27.9%). 69.9% of participants were in urban areas while 30.1% were in rural areas
According to World Health Organization (WHO’s) report, 39% of adults ≥18 years old were overweight and 13% were obese in 2014.2 Considering our findings, the prevalence of overweight in our study was lower than global rate while it was vice versa for obesity prevalence
Summary
Overweight and obesity are the major risk factors for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), elevated blood pressure (BP), cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), some cancers and musculoskeletal disorders.[1]. 5 Iran is one of the developing countries that has experienced social and economic transition, cultural changes and urbanization conditions[6] which can affect the prevalence of NCDs and their risk factors including overweight and obesity.[7] The main indicators of obesity are body mass index (BMI), abdominal obesity which is assessed using the waist circumference (WC) and waist-hip ratio (WHR).[3] Studies showed these indicators are associated with NCDs morbidity and mortality such as CVDS and T2DM.[8,9,10] one the aims of Global Action Plan for the Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases. Overweight and obesity are considered as non-communicable diseases (NCDs) risk factors with increasing prevalence worldwide This nationwide study aimed to determine the socio-demographic determinants of obesity indexes in Iran. Some socio-demographic characteristics were identified as determinants of obesity which should be considered for planning preventive and control action plans
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