मेटाबोलिक सिंड्रोम जर्नल

Magnitude of Obesity, Abdominal Adiposity and their Association with Hypertension and Diabetes- A Cross Sectional Study

Abstract

Unyime Sunday Jasper

Background: The transition from customary African lifestyles to a “western” standard has resulted in the increase of obesity, abdominal adiposity and diabetes known to contribute significantly to morbidity and mortality rates around the world. We therefore aimed to identify the magnitude of overweight, obesity, abdominal adiposity and hypertension among a sample of patients with type 2 diabetes.

Methods: A sample of convenience was utilized to recruit all Type 2 diabetes patients that attended the 2013 World Diabetes day celebration. Sociodemographic information along with anthropometric measurements was taken (BMI, WC, WHR). Furthermore, blood pressure and fasting blood sugar level was measured for each participant.

Result: Out of the 468 diabetics that participated in this study, majority 248 (53.0%) were males and 220 (47.0%) females. The mean age and FBS was 42.6 ± 11.3 years and 6.9 ± 3.2mm/dl respectively. Hypertension was reported in 226 (48.3%) diabetics; while 182 (38.9%) were within the normal weight range, 41.0% (192) were overweight and 20.1% (94) were obese. A high WC was reported in 51.7% (n=242) and a high WHR in 52.6% (n=246). Obesity was significantly associated with middle-age (40-64 years) (p=0.001, F=15.4) and females (p=0.000, F=15.8). Those who were hypertensive had a significantly higher BMI (p=0.000, F=12.4), WHR (p=0.000, F=2.1) and WC (p=0.000, F=5.2). High WHR and WC was associated with higher FBS (p=0.000).There was a tenuous but significant difference in WHR by gender (p<0.05), with females having a higher WHR than males (0.88 ± 0.1 vs. 0.87 ± 0.1). There was a relationship between BMI, WC and WHR.

Conclusion: The proportion of obesity, abdominal adiposity and hypertension among type 2 diabetics is worrisome. Early diagnosis of obesity and abdominal adiposity and advice on lifestyle modification is imperative. Furthermore, a coherent and multifaceted public health strategy aimed at systematically debunking unhealthy myths and encouraging adoption of healthy lifestyles is imperative.