Epidemiologic Profile of Overweight and Obesity in Abidjan, Ivory Coast: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Introduction Described as a global epidemic, overweight and obesity could soon overwhelm both developed and developing countries [1, 2]. In 2014, 39% of adults were overweight, and 11% of men and 15% of women were obese [3]. In sub-Saharan Africa, where approximately 35% of adult women are either overweight or obese, overweight and obesity are estimated to increase by about 35% within the next 10 years at a rate of about 25% per year [4, 5]. The reasons for this rapid growth include globalization, increase in wealth and urbanization that leads to changes in food supply systems, changes in diets, declining levels of physical activity, and changes in the gut microbiome [6]. Furthermore, the health and economic implications of overweight or obesity are severe, since they constitute a major risk factor for many non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like arthritis, cancers, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases, which were leading major causes of death in 2012 [7, 8]. In 2010, overweight and obesity were estimated to cause 3.4 million deaths, 3.9% of years of life loss, and 3.8% of disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) globally [9]. Peeters et al. concluded that obesity in adulthood is associated with a decrease in life expectancy of about seven years, in both men and women, and is a powerful predictor of death at older ages [10]. Estimates of non-communicable disease-related mortality in Africa indicate that there were approximately 2.1 million deaths in 2010, up by 46% from 1990 and most are associated with obesity [11]. Current projections indicate that the largest increase in non-communicable disease-related deaths will occur in Africa by 2020 and by 2030, and these deaths are projected to exceed the combined deaths from communicable and nutritional diseases, and maternal and perinatal deaths [7]. Concerning the economic implications, the costs generated by obesity

Relationship among Food Intake, Dietary Habit and Immunity among Different Age People in West African Countries during the Covid-19 Pandemic

“…The meal majorly consumed by Ivorians ("attieke") is rich in carbohydrates and it has been implicated in post-prandial hyperglycemia and has also been linked to a rapid increase in BMI and abdominal obesity. These starchy meals are usually accompanied by fried fish or fat sauce thereby increasing caloric ingestion [69].…”

Epidemiological Profile of Obesity among Adults Aged 21 to 65 Years Living in Yopougon, Cocody and Abobo (District of Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire)

“…This is why the fight against overweight and obesity must also be focused on changes in eating behaviors [10]. In general, the treatment of obesity is considered difficult and its medium-term results are disappointing [11]. This is why prevention remains the ideal way to fight obesity pandemic throughout the world.…”

Association of Obesity With Health Literacy and Weight Perception Among Women Merchants in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…A study of obesity risk among patients who are over-weight and obese in Abidjan found that being a merchant was a risk factor ( Sable et al, 2020 ), suggesting that merchants are an occupation that requires obesity prevention. Many women work as merchants in Abidjan's approximately 120 markets ( Poyau, 2005 ).…”