Prevalence and associated factors related to overweight and obesity among adults in DH. Kudahuvadhoo

Abstract

Overweight and obesity are defined as abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that may impair health. Even though overweight and obesity is escalating problem around the world and in the Maldives, the prevalence of overweight and obesity among adults are increasing as well. 65% of the world's populations live in countries where overweight and obesity kills more people than underweight. The main purpose of this study is to determine prevalence and associated factors related with overweight and obesity among adults in Dh. Kudahuvadhoo. A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted, using a stratified random sampling of 45 males and 45 females of aged 25 to 55 years were selected. Data was collected on socio-economic factors of the 90 participants, their physical activity and dietary intake patterns, as well as anthropometric measurements. Body Mass Index (BMI) was used to determine the prevalence of overweight and obesity and the data were then analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20 software. The study revealed that, more than one third of populations were overweight and obese and there was high chance of being overweight and obese with socio-demographic and socio-economic status, physical activity as well as sedentary life style of the participants. The results of the present study can contribute to the literature and have significant implications for practitioners.