Prevalence of abdominal obesity in Abia State, Nigeria: results of a population-based house-to-house survey

Abstract

Background and objectiveAbdominal obesity is associated with the risk of developing disorders, such as diabetes and hypertension. The objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence of abdominal obesity in Abia State, Nigeria.Materials and methodsWe carried out a cross-sectional study aimed at ascertaining the prevalence of abdominal obesity in Abia State, Nigeria. Participants in the study were recruited from communities in the three senatorial zones in the state. Screening for abdominal obesity was carried out in these subjects using waist circumference (the National Cholesterol Education Program Third Adult Treatment Panel criteria were used). The World Health Organization Stepwise Approach to Surveillance of chronic disease risk factors was used. Body mass index, anthropometric measurements, and other relevant data were also collected.ResultsData on waist circumference were obtained from 2,807 subjects. The prevalence of obesity using body mass index in the population was 11.12%. In men and women, it was 7.73%, and 14.37%, respectively. The prevalence of abdominal obesity in the population was 21.75%. In men and women, it was 3.2% and 39.2%, respectively.ConclusionThe prevalence of abdominal obesity is high in Nigeria, and needs to be monitored because it is associated with increased cardiovascular risk.

High prevalence of central obesity in rural South-Western Nigeria: Need for targeted prevention

“…This study showed that increasing age was associated with greater odds of being obese, a finding that is consistent with a previous study in Nigeria, (Chukwuonye et al, 2013). This is also in keeping with the fact that central obesity increases with age as indicated in this study.…”

“…Similar to previous local studies, both generalized and central obesity were more prevalent among the female population in the current study (Oladapo et al, 2010;Adediran et al, 2012;Iloh et al, 2012;Ahaneku et al, 2011;Adienbo et al, 2012;Desalu et al, 2008;Chukwuonye et al, 2013). A similar trend was reported by WHO (2008).…”

“…This is similar to findings by other workers that high alcohol intake is associated with abdominal obesity (Schroder et al, 2007), although an earlier study in Nigeria did not find such association (Chukwuonye et al, 2013). The high energy content of alcohol makes its consumption a potential contributor to the obesity epidemic.…”

“…Ageing is associated with changes in body composition resulting in increase in fat mass and a decrease in muscle mass (Hughes et al, 2002). While many studies (Oladapo et al, 2010;Adediran et al, 2012;Iloh et al, 2012;Ahaneku et al, 2011;Adienbo et al, 2012;Desalu et al, 2008;Chukwuonye et al, 2013) found that central obesity is more prevalent among women; this study further revealed that as compared to men, the chances of developing central obesity (defined as increased WC) increased by 11-fold among women. Gender differences in physical activity may account for this.…”

Prevalence and Family Biosocial Predictors of Abdominal Obesity among Adult Nigerian Africans in a Resource Constrained Setting of a Rural Hospital in Eastern Nigeria

“…[1][2][3] It is a medical problem in which excess fat has accumulated in the abdomen to the extent that it may have an adverse effect on health and/or increase medical problems. [1,2] It was once thought the health problem of affluent advanced countries but now exists in Nigeria in varying prevalence ranges [1][2][3]5] and has been described as a time bomb for the future explosion in the frequency of cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome. [1,4,5] Globally, in the past, abdominal obesity was viewed as a sign of wealth and wellness.…”