Socioeconomic and Lifestyle Determinants of Obesity in a Transitional Southeast European Population

Abstract

We aimed to assess the prevalence and socioeconomic and behavioral correlates of obesity in adult population of Albania, a transitional country in the western Balkans. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2007-2009 in the Albanian capital, including a sex-stratified random sample of 997 Tirana residents aged 25-65 years (83% response). A structured interview included data on demographic and socioeconomic characteristics and lifestyle factors. Physical examination included measurement of height, weight, and hips and waist circumferences. Binary logistic regression was used to assess the association of obesity with covariates. Half of participants were overweight, and about 30% were obese (36% women and 24% men). Obesity was positively associated with age, but inversely related to education and economic level. Almost every day drinkers were more likely to be obese compared to non-drinkers (OR = 2.2, 95% CI = 1.4-2.9). Fat and carbohydrate intake were both positively associated with obesity (for fat intake OR [low-moderate vs. high intake] = 3.1, 95% CI = 2.0-4.2) and for carbohydrate intake OR [low-moderate vs. high intake] = 2.8; 95% CI = 1.9-3.3). Our findings indicate that overweight and obesity pose serious public health concerns in this post-communist country. Health professionals and policy makers should focus particularly on the modifiable risk factors as an effective means of controlling the burden of obesity in Albania.