study of the prevalence of obesity among adult females in Kuwait

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of overweight and obesity among adult females in the age group 15-45 years in Kuwait. The body mass index of 1270 females was calculated and was used in the classification of adult female as overweight [BMI 25-29.99] or obese [BMI = 30+]. The results show that the prevalence of obesity and overweight was highest among illiterate females and least among university graduates. The data show that the prevalence of underweight was highest and obesity was least in young adults less than 20 years of age. The prevalence of overweight and obesity increased among older females having more than 4 children. Obesity was more prevalent [38.2%] among non-working women, than among those in administration [30.2%], or those in technical work [24.0%]. The corresponding rates for overweight were 42.1%, 40.1% and 31.3%. Physical exercise had a significant effect on the prevalence of obesity which was highest in the group that did not practice any physical exercise [33.5%] and declined to 24.3% with light exercise and was least [15.8%] when the female was practicing mild physical exercise. The corresponding rates for overweight were, 43.0%, 33.0% and 25.0%