SOCIO- DEMOGRAPHIC AND DIETARY DETERMINANTS OF OVERWEIGHT AND OBESITY IN MALE PAKISTANI ADULTS

The aim of this study was to identify potential socio-demographic and dietary determinants of overweight and obesity in men to provide basis for effective prevention strategies. A stratified random sample of 897 men (aged >30 years and free from any chronic / congenital diseases) were selected for the study from Mardan city located in the North West of Pakistan. Height and weight of the subjects were measured using standard anthropometric methods; body mass index (BMI) was calculated. Data on dietary intake, overweight /obesity trend in the families, physical activity and socio-economic status were collected by interview. Pearson’s chi square statistic and chi square trend were used to determine the differences in prevalence of overweight and obesity between different groups. Multiple logistic regressions were used to identify potential socio-demographic and dietary factors associated with overweight / obesity. Using BMI, subjects were identified as normal (<25), overweight (25-29.9) and obese (≥30). Overall, prevalence of overweight and obesity was 33% and 9% respectively. There was an increasing trend in the prevalence of overweight and obesity with increasing age (OR: 1.15, 95% CI: 1.12-1.18). Among socio-economic factors; occupation, family history of overweight/obesity, monthly income and physical activity were found to be significant predictors of overweight/obesity in study subjects. In contrast to developed countries, increased income was associated with increased levels of overweight/obesity. Among dietary factors, daily energy intake and subjects’ preferences for fried meat and fatty foods were evident as significant correlates of overweight/obesity. Strong predictors of overweight and obesity included income level, physical inactivity and poor dietary preferences in the study population.