Overweight and Obesity Prevalence among Adults and Adolescents in Gulshan-E-Iqbal, Karachi, 2018-2020

Abstract

Objective:

The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of overweight and obesity, as well as the factors associated with them, among Karachi residents.

Methodology:

This cross-sectional analysis was undertaken from June 2018 to August 2020 under the direction of Dr Saleem. A validated questionnaire was utilized to collect data from 410 individuals, and traditional height and weight evaluation procedures were employed to determine height and weight. South Asian cut-off values for overweight and obesity were 23 BMI (Normal), 25.0 - 29.9 BMI (Overweight), and 30 BMI (Obese). SPSS version 21.0 was used to process the data.

Results:

Men made up 57.31% of the sample, while women made up 42.68%. The 20-39 age group comprised the largest proportion of the population, accounting for 81.21% of the total. Males were found to be more likely to be overweight or obese than females. Around 35.36% of people smoked, 2.19% drank alcool, and 21.89% ate vegetarian, 26.09% ate semi-vegetarian, and 51.46% ate meat. 70.24 percent of patients with co-morbid disorders are overweight or obese, p=0.016. Only 21.70% of the population exercised for at least 30 minutes each day.

Conclusion:

The prevalence of overweight and obesity was found to be high among Karachi residents, more so in men than in women. Sedentary lifestyle factors such as diet and lack of physical activity, smoking, alcohol consumption, and the existence of co-morbidities all contributed to obesity. Individuals may be advised to take preventative measures to avoid becoming overweight or obese.