Physical activity and overweight/obesity among Malaysian adults: findings from the 2015 National Health and morbidity survey (NHMS)

Abstract

BackgroundOverweight and obesity are growing health problems both worldwide and in Malaysia due to such lifestyle changes as decreased physical activity (PA), increased sedentary behavior and unhealthy eating habits. This study examined the levels and patterns of PA among normal-weight and overweight/obese adults and to investigate the association between PA level and overweight/obesity in Malaysian adults.MethodsThis study used data from the 2015 National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS), a nationwide cross-sectional survey that implemented a two-stage stratified random sampling design. Respondents aged 18 years and above (n = 17,261) were included in the analysis. The short version of International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) was administered to assess the respondents’ PA levels. The respondents’ height and weight were objectively measured and body mass index (BMI) was calculated. The respondents were categorized according to BMI as either normal-weight (18.5–24.9 kg/m2) or overweight/obese (≥ 25 kg/m2). Descriptive and complex sample logistic regression analyses were employed as appropriate.ResultsOverall, approximately 1 in 2 respondents (51.2%) were overweight/obese, even though the majority (69.0%) reporting at least a moderate level of PA (total PA ≥ 10 MET-hours/week). In both normal-weight and overweight/obese groups, a significantly higher prevalence of high PA (total PA ≥ 50 MET-hours/week) was observed among men than women (p < 0.001), but women reported a significantly higher prevalence of low and moderate PA than men (p < 0.001). Men reported significantly higher activity levels (in MET-hours/week) than women with regard to walking, vigorous-intensity PA and total PA (p < 0.001). Overweight/obese men reported a significantly lower level of vigorous-intensity PA and total PA than normal-weight men (p < 0.001). A low level of PA was associated with the risk of overweight/obesity (Adjusted OR = 1.14; 95% CI: 1.01–1.30) compared to a high level of PA among men but not among women.ConclusionsThe levels of PA were inversely related to the risk of overweight/obesity in men but not in women. Programs designed to reduce overweight/obesity rates should encourage the practice of moderate- to vigorous-intensity PA. Future research should consider using longitudinal and prospective approaches that simultaneously measure dietary intake, PA and BMI among Malaysian adults to investigate the actual relationship between PA and overweight/obesity.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12889-017-4772-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Understanding the Relationship between Atherogenic Index of Plasma and Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors among Staff of an University in Malaysia

“…In this study, a majority of the participants were overweight and obese (79.9%), and it indicated that an alarming sign of higher prevalence of obesity. It was consistent with the previous studies [29, 30] where more than half of their civil servants screened were obese. It indicated rapid urbanization and adaptation of more sedentary lifestyle leading to unhealthy outcomes.…”

Association between body mass index and ready-to-eat food consumption among sedentary staff in Nay Pyi Taw union territory, Myanmar

“…The low physical activity was associated with overweight and obesity [52]. This finding is consistent with studies done in Myanmar, Malaysia, and the United States [53][54][55]. Working environments should promote physical activity and integrating enough public spaces for physical exercise should be considered in urban development and planning.…”

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“…Meanwhile, the result is different from the research conducted by Rachmi and Allison (2017) which state that there is a significant relationship between less physical activity and obesity rate in Indonesia. The low level of physical activity is associated to have high risk in suffering obesity for men in Malaysia, but it does not apply to women (Chan et al, 2017).…”

“…Obesity is a complex problem caused by behavior, psychology, environment, and genetic factors (Chan et al, 2017). Obesity is not always associated with low physical activity.…”