BODY MASS INDEX, WAIST TO HEIGHT RATIO AND OVERWEIGHT OBESITY AMONG ADULT POPULATION IN SELECTED WARDS OF BHARATPUR METROPOLITAN CITY

Abstract

Background: Central obesity can be illustrated by Body Mass Index (BMI) as well as waist circumference (WC) and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR). Such data are lacking among adult populations of Bharatpur. The aim of this study was to find the level of BMI and explore height, weight WC, and WHtR with reference for overweight and obesity among adults and and their associated factors.

Methods: Community based cross-sectional study was carried out among 183 adults with age group 31 to 50 years residing at ward number 5 and 15 of the Bharatpur. Semi-structured questionnaires were used to collect anthropometric and other information in 2023. BMI and WHtR were  calculated and general over weight/obesity were explored. The Pearson Chi-squared test was used to find the association between overweight, obesity and some independent variables at 5% level of significance.

Results: Present study showed Mean BMI 23.96 kg/m2 ±5.6SD (M-22.84, F-24.9) and 45.9% prevalence of overweight and obesity with more prevalence among females. Chi square test showed age (p-0.015 BMI and p-0.011WHtR), eating pattern (p-0.001 BMI andp-0.001 WHtR), morbidity(p-0.001) , family history of obesity(p-0.002), pattern of physical exercise(p-0.001), sleeping time(p-0.001 )and alcohol/tobacco consumption habit (p-0.001) were significantly associated with both the BMI and WHtR at the 5 % level of significance. Sex was not associated with BMI but with WHtR (p-0.017).

Conclusions: Overweight and obesity is found high among adults and the BMI and WHtR is found more among females.  So, proper action should be taken to address overweight and obesity by concerned municipality.