J Obes Metab Syndr.  2020 Mar;29(1):58-66. 10.7570/jomes19039.

Prevalence and Sociodemographic Factors of Overweight and Obesity among Pakistani Adults

• Asif M
• Aslam M
• Altaf S
• Atif S
• Majid A

• KMID: 2504853
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.7570/jomes19039

Abstract

Background
Obesity is a serious public health problem that is growing alarmingly worldwide. The main objective of this study is to examine the current prevalence of overweight and obesity among Pakistani adults andto identify the sociodemographic factors that are associated with overweight and obesity.
Methods
Secondary data from a population-based household survey (the Pakistan Panel Household Survey)were used for this study. A total of 10,063 participants (3,916 men and 6,147 women) were included. Overweight and obese individuals were identified using the World Health Organization-recommended cutoffs forbody mass index (kg/m²). Along with descriptive statistics, the Pearson chi-square test was used to investigatethe association among categorical variables. Odds ratios (ORs) along with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) wereestimated using univariate logistic regression analysis to evaluate the most significantly associated risk factorsfor overweight/obesity.
Results
The mean age and body mass index of the participants were 38.2 years and 22.9 kg/m², respectively.Overall, 22.8% of the participants (23.9% of the women and 21.1% of the men) were overweight, and 5.1%(6.3% of the women and 3.2% of the men) were obese. Sociodemographic factors, such as sex, marital status,and residential area, were significantly associated with body mass index categories. Women (OR, 1.34; 95% CI,1.23–1.47; P<0.01), ever-married individuals (OR, 1.92; 95% CI, 1.70–2.16; P<0.01), and individuals living in urban areas (OR, 1.23; 95% CI, 1.12–1.35; P<0.01) were more likely to become overweight/obese than their counterparts.
Conclusion
We have found the excess weight problem to be quite high in the Pakistani adult population. Thegovernment and other health agencies should take initiatives in launching programs about nutritional awareness for adults to prevent obesity.

Keyword

Body mass index; Overweight; Obesity; Pakistani adults; Pakistan Panel Household Survey