Prevalence and associations of overweight among adult women in Sri Lanka: a national survey

Abstract

The rates of overweight and obesity are rising to epidemic proportions, especially among women. There are many health risks associated with increased weight. This study aims at providing information on the overweight and obesity and its associated factors among non pregnant and non lactating women aged 15 to 49 years in Sri Lanka. Multistage cluster sampling method was used. A household survey was carried out in nine districts, each randomly selected from all 9 provinces. Thirty Grama Nildhari areas per district were selected, each cluster consisting of 21 randomly selected households. Data collection was by an interviewer administered questionnaire. Weight and height were measured and body mass index (BMI) calculated. International classification was used to identify overweight women. Total of 6071 households were included in the study. Of the 27,862 residents in the selected households, 27.3 percent were women aged between 15 and 49 years. Of them, 18.2% had BMI <18.5 (thin), 52.4% were BMI between 18.5-24.9 (normal), 22.8% were between 25.0 and 29.9 (overweight) and 6.6% were BMI 30.0 or above (obese). When Asian cutoff value is applied 37.8% (BMI 18.5-23.0), 28.7% (BMI 23.01-27.5) and 15.2% (BMI>27.5) were normal, overweight and obese respectively. Higher level of husband's education and higher wealth quintiles were associated with risk of overweight or obesity. Increasing level of overweight and obesity prevalence among women between 15-49 years indicates the important role of health professionals in promoting preventative measures and encouraging positive lifestyle behaviors of women during health encounters. We recommend counseling women about safe and effective weight loss and weight management programs.

Study on Body Mass Index, waist circumference and waist to height ratio of nursing officers working at Teaching Hospital, Jaffna

“…Prevalence of obesity was higher among the female nurses than the male nurses and obesity class-II was found only among female nurses. Previous study carried out in Sri Lanka reports that 18.2, 52.4, 22.8, and 6.6% of the adult women were of underweight, normal weight, over weight and Obesity Class-I respectively [5]. Rates of overweight and obesity were more among female nurses compared to the general population [5].…”

“…Previous study carried out in Sri Lanka reports that 18.2, 52.4, 22.8, and 6.6% of the adult women were of underweight, normal weight, over weight and Obesity Class-I respectively [5]. Rates of overweight and obesity were more among female nurses compared to the general population [5]. Based on the BMI values 39.8 of males and and 37.4% of females were either overweight or obese.…”

Importance of anthropometry in assessing insulin resistance as a pre-alarming sign before the onset of metabolic syndrome: a study among apparently healthy subjects

“…Incidence of overweight and obesity among Sri Lankans were at elevated levels. In year 2005/2006, the prevalence of overweight of both genders was 25.2 %, and in 2006/2007, 31.2 % of women were found to be overweight [6].…”

Combating obesity in Sri Lanka – Understanding the enemy

“…According to a study by Dr. Katulanda and colleagues, the prevalence of overweight and obesity in Sri Lanka in 2010 were 25% and 9% respectively 4 . This has increased to 29% and 15% respectively in 2012 according to a study done by Dr. Jayatissa and colleagues 5 .…”