Prevalence of obesity in Kirkuk governorate/Iraq

Our aim in this study was to estimate the prevalence of overweight and obesity and their association among adults in Iraq, particularly in Kirkuk governorate. Data from a representative cross-sectional survey at the governorate level for 2024 for 425 people aged 18 years and older, men and women, who responded to the questionnaire. The results of the questionnaire were analyzed to diagnose the association of obesity with multiple factors, according to the questionnaire. To know the social, demographic, and health risk factors for obesity that can be used in the future in the Kirkuk community. We used the Microsoft Excel program to analyze the results collected from the questionnaire. The study indicated a small percentage of chronic diseases in the Kirkuk community, most of which were blood pressure, diabetes, and irritable bowel diseases. The Kirkuk community was young; most of the age rates were around the second decade of life, and the smoking rate was about a quarter. In Kirkuk society, height rates are acceptable and are around 175 cm. Body mass index rates indicate that most of the participants are overweight (25 kg/m), and this may lead to future obesity problems among the participants. The study suggests conducting a more comprehensive survey, starting awareness campaigns about the dangers of obesity, practising the minimum amount of exercise, adhering to reasonable limits of healthy eating, and changing the sedentary lifestyle.