Journal of Obesity & Weight Loss Therapy
Open Access

Abstract

Background: Baseline information on socio-demographic correlates of body weight status is relevant for controlling the epidemic of chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs) now occurring in many African countries. However, comparable data (between developed and developing countries) in this context are extremely scarce in Nigeria. This study assessed the socio-demographic correlates of overweight/obesity in Nigerian adults, with a view to informing prevention and control interventions. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among a representative sample of 1411 Nigerian adults (age: 20-65 years and 43.1% female) in metropolitan Maiduguri, Nigeria. Anthropometric measurements of height and weight and interview-led self-reported socio-demographic information were conducted. The primary outcome was overweight/obesity (body mass index [BMI]≥25 kg/m 2 ) vs. normal weight (BMI=18.5-24.9 kg/m 2 ). Socio-demographic correlates of overweight/obesity were identified using the binary logistic regression. Results: Overall, 33.9% of Nigerian adults were overweight/obese (24.3% with BMI >25 kg/m 2 ; 9.5% with BMI >30 kg/m 2 ). There was no significant difference (p>0.05) in the prevalence of overweight/obesity between men (33.3%) and women (34.7%), but overweight/obesity tends to increase with increasing age category (p<0.001). After adjustment for sufficient physical activity, overweight/obesity was positively associated with female gender (OR=1.44, CI=1.05-1.99), being single or not married (OR=2.78, CI=1.33- 5.82), being employed by the government (OR=1.86, CI=1.30-2.66) and belonging to the Kanuri or Shuwa ethnic group (OR=1.83, CI=1.28-2.64), but negatively associated with lower income (OR=0.51, CI=0.32-0.88) and belonging to the Igbo ethnic group (OR=0.33, CI=0.19-0.54). Conclusions: Socio-demographic factors were associated with being overweight/obese among Nigerian adults. These findings suggest that socio-demographic specific interventions may be warranted in the control and prevention of overweight or obesity in Nigerian adults.

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