Authors
Azeke OD, Fuh NF, Oseni TIA, Azeke AT, and Eromon PE
Abstract
Obesity, a global public health concern, is increasing in prevalence in Nigeria and is associated with a heightened risk of cardiometabolic diseases. While Body Mass Index (BMI) is widely used to assess obesity, it does not distinguish between body fat and lean mass. Other anthropometric indices—waist circumference (WC), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), and A Body Shape Index (ABSI)—may offer better insights into central obesity and associated health risks. This study assessed these indices among obese adults attending the General Outpatient Clinic of Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Edo State, Nigeria.
Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 300 adults (≥18 years) with obesity, selected through systematic sampling. Data were collected using a semi-structured interviewer-administered questionnaire and standard anthropometric measurements. BMI, WC, WHR, WHtR, and ABSI were computed and categorized using established WHO and literature-based cut-offs. Data were analysed using IBM SPSS version 25.
Result: Of the 300 participants, 71.7% were females, and the mean age was 51.6 ± 8.9 years. The mean BMI was 34.5 ± 4.8 kg/m². Class I obesity accounted for 64.7%, Class II for 26.3%, and Class III for 9.0%. Central obesity was observed in 98.0% (WC), 81.3% (WHR), and 79.3% (WHtR). All participants had normal ABSI values. The prevalence of central obesity was higher among women.
Conclusion: The study highlights an alarmingly high prevalence of central obesity among adults with obesity, particularly using WC, WHR, and WHtR indices. ABSI showed limited predictive capacity in this population. Culturally sensitive public health interventions targeting weight reduction, dietary modification, and lifestyle changes are recommended to mitigate obesity-related risks.
Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 300 adults (≥18 years) with obesity, selected through systematic sampling. Data were collected using a semi-structured interviewer-administered questionnaire and standard anthropometric measurements. BMI, WC, WHR, WHtR, and ABSI were computed and categorized using established WHO and literature-based cut-offs. Data were analysed using IBM SPSS version 25.
Result: Of the 300 participants, 71.7% were females, and the mean age was 51.6 ± 8.9 years. The mean BMI was 34.5 ± 4.8 kg/m². Class I obesity accounted for 64.7%, Class II for 26.3%, and Class III for 9.0%. Central obesity was observed in 98.0% (WC), 81.3% (WHR), and 79.3% (WHtR). All participants had normal ABSI values. The prevalence of central obesity was higher among women.
Conclusion: The study highlights an alarmingly high prevalence of central obesity among adults with obesity, particularly using WC, WHR, and WHtR indices. ABSI showed limited predictive capacity in this population. Culturally sensitive public health interventions targeting weight reduction, dietary modification, and lifestyle changes are recommended to mitigate obesity-related risks.
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