Lifestyle Change, Nutrition Transition and Cardiovascular Risk in Settat Region, Morocco

Abstract

Introduction: Morocco, a north African country undergoing a significant nutritional transition, with a clear shift from traditional dietary patterns towards those of the Western model. This transition has a profound impact on the health of its population, most notably in the rise of chronic illnesses and mainly cardiovascular diseases. The following cross-sectional study examines risk factors associated with these nutritional and lifestyle changes and their effects on cardiovascular risk among adults residing in Settat, central Morocco. Subjects and Methods:The study was conducted between January 20th and April 25th, 2023, involving 981 participants aged 20 and above who attended health centers in Settat. Risk factors were assessed using a questionnaire encompassing sociodemographic, health, clinical, dietary, and lifestyle data. To estimate cardiovascular risk, the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey "NHANES" risk score was employed. Results: Abdominal obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, hypertension, hyperglycemia, and hypercholesterolemia stood out as the most prevalent risk factors, with percentages of 44.3%, 69.7%, 17.6%, 15%, and 26.5%, respectively. As per the "NHANES" risk score, 22.8% were projected to face a cardiovascular risk exceeding 20% within the following five years. This risk was notably linked to the population's sedentary lifestyle and the dietary habits oscillating between the traditional Moroccan pattern and the Western one, marking the nutritional transition. Conclusion:The high prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors underlines the substantial impact of lifestyle changes and nutritional transitions on cardiovascular risk. Consequently, this situation calls for immediate action to devise and deploy strategies aimed at promoting healthy lifestyle choices. Raising awareness about the critical importance of maintaining such a lifestyle is imperative to mitigate the risks and prevent the onset of cardiovascular diseases.