Prevalence of Overweight and Obesity Among Adults and Their Association With Diabetes, Hypertension, and Dyslipidemia: A Comparative Cross-Sectional Study in Urban and Rural Areas of the Etawah District

Introduction Obesity is not technically a terminal illness, yet it is a significant risk factor for numerous severe non-communicable diseases (NCDs). It is a condition characterized by excessive fat accumulation in the body, which can negatively impact health, leading to various complications and reduced life expectancy. In this study, we aim to estimate the prevalence of overweight and obesity and examine their association with diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia. We also aim to determine the sociodemographic and clinical correlates of overweight and obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia among adults in rural and urban areas of the Etawah district in Uttar Pradesh, India. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted from January 2021 to June 2022. Study participants were selected using multistage random sampling. The study tool included a questionnaire based on the WHO STEPwise approach to NCD risk factor surveillance (STEPS). Descriptive analysis was performed using the Chi-square test and Student's unpaired t-test. Multivariate regression analysis was conducted to assess the strength of the association. Results The prevalence of overweight/obesity was almost similar in rural and urban areas. In rural populations, body mass index (BMI) showed a statistically significant association with diabetes status, hypertension status, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure (DBP), serum cholesterol, triglycerides, and very-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. However, in urban populations, BMI was significantly associated only with diabetes status and DBP. Overweight was found to be more prevalent in upper socio-economic status residents (1.67 (0.93 - 2.98)), smokers (2.02 (1.19 - 3.41)), hypertensives (3.03 (1.34 - 6.85)), and participants with dyslipidemia (1.79 (1.13 - 2.83)). Conclusions The present investigation revealed a significant prevalence of overweight and obesity in the Etawah district, a critical risk factor for non-communicable illnesses in both urban and rural settings, necessitating a robust public health strategy.