Relationship between Some Health Problems, Demography and Occurrence of Obesity among Adults in Imo state, Nigeria

Aim: The aim of study was to determine the relationship between some health problems, demography and occurrence of obesity among adults in Imo state, Nigeria. Methods: This study is a community-based, cross-sectional study design that targeted some communities across the three geo-political zones of Imo State South East, Nigeria. Multistage proportionate stratified random cluster sampling method was used to select the study settings. A structured validated questionnaire constructed as both open and closed ended questionnaire was used to obtain data from the participants. Anthropometric measurements and laboratory tests of the participants were carried out immediately after questionnaire administration. Multiple linear regression was used to determine associations. Results: Out of the 500 participants, 148 (29.6%) were obese. Sex and domicile significantly predicted obesity (P=0.01; P=0.00) respectively. Fasting blood sugar (t = 2.131, P=0.05), total cholesterol (t = -2.09, P=0.05) and triglycerides (t = -2.11, P=0.05) of obesity, although the overall regression was insignificant (R2 = 0.492, F=1.94, P=0.115). Conclusions: This study highlights a significant association between obesity and certain health parameters, such as fasting blood sugar, total cholesterol and triglycerides, all of which are predictors of obesity and its related complications. Key words: Obesity, health problems, body mass index