A Cross Sectional Study to Determine the Prevalence of Obesity in a Rural Area of Goa.

ABSTRACT

Background: Nowadays, obesity has become a chronic disorder affecting the larger population than any other disease in the world. It mostly affects the adult population but children and adolescents are also prone to develop obesity. This study designed to determine the prevalence of obesity in both the sexes in person aged 25 years and above.1 Materials and Methods: The present study had been undertaken in rural area of Goa (Mandur village), in which persons aged 25 years and above were interviewed. A house to house survey conducted. Systematic random sampling method was used for selection of houses. Predesigned structured questionnaire was used to record socio demographic profile. Anthropometric data regarding height, weight was also taken. The data was analyzed using SPSS 14 software. Result: The study showed that, 9.2% of the population was obese (6.04% in males and 11.93% in females.) 29.9% of the population had BMI >/= 25kg/m2, 24.20% and 34.66% among male and females respectively. 22.72% of females and 18.12% males were pre-obese. Conclusion: BMI plays a crucial role in its early detection as it is simple to calculate and can even detect the pre-obesity stage in time. Obesity being a chronic illness, early detection of it can prevent various complications associated with it.