Demographic and lifestyle factors affecting BMI and weight satisfaction of physicians in Babylon Province

Introduction Obesity, defined by a high body mass index (BMI), is a significant global health issue that has increased over recent decades, leading to higher rates of type 2 diabetes, heart diseases, and some cancers. Aim To explore the demographic, socioeconomic, and lifestyle factors affecting obesity in medical professionals, identify causes, and create effective weight control strategies. Material and methods A cross-sectional study of 200 physicians utilized face-to-face interviews and a standardized questionnaire to gather data on demographics, lifestyle, and weight management, with BMI assessed according to WHO guidelines. Results and discussion In Babylon, a troubling 75.5% of physicians are overweight or obese, with the highest rates among women aged over 46, likely due to menopause. Additionally, 78% of those who do not exercise regularly have elevated BMI levels. Factors like job stress and ineffective weight management exacerbate obesity, particularly among private clinic physicians. Notably, 56.5% of physician’s express dissatisfaction with their weight, especially those in higher BMI categories. Conclusions A study reveals a strong correlation between BMI and age in female physicians, with obesity rates soaring to 59.1% in those aged 46 and older, primarily due to menopause. Overall, 75.5% of physicians fall into overweight or obese categories, especially among middle-aged individuals. Key factors influencing higher BMI include insufficient exercise and failed weight loss efforts. Furthermore, there is a notable inverse relationship between weight dissatisfaction in overweight and obese individuals compared to those with normal weight.