[ correlation between socio-demographic, nutritional and health factors and obesity in Moroccan women during theirs proceative years]

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study was to determine the correlation between socio-demographic, nutritional and health factors as well as physical activity and obesity in women during their procreative years from the Gharb region of Morocco. The regional study was carried out on 1641 women, aged between 15-49 years, representative of the region. The sampling designe was based on group samples [20 in urban urea and 15 in rural area]. Socio-demographic and nutritional status was evaluated by a questionnaire. Blood samples were taken for determine of cholesterol, triglyceride and glucose. Their systolic and diastolic blood pressures was determined. Physical activity was evaluated by BMR/TEE. Results show also increased the prevalence of overweight and obesity was 26.4% and 12.5%, respectively. Increased prevalence of obesity was significantly correlated to urbanization, low educational level, high number of children and ageing. 11% of the observed variations in body mass index [BMI] were due to changes of sociodemographic factors. The results also demonstrated that BMI variations were due to diet and physical activity changes. Lipid intake, particularly saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids was an important factor in the development of obesity. Moreover, physical activity was low in obese women in comparison with normal women. Therefore, the prevalence of chronic diseases [diabetes, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia and hypertirglyceridemia] was higher in obese women