Obesity among Adult Bahraini Population: Impact of Physical Activity and Educational Level

Abstract

Background:In the populations of the Arabian Peninsula, obesity has emerged as the leading cause of morbidity and mortality over a 25-year period of swift socioeconomic progress. The objective of this study was to determine the body weight distribution, prevalence and risk factors for the overweight and obese in the native adult Bahraini population. Subjects and Methods A cross-sectional national epidemiological community survey was conducted involving 2013 Bahraini subjects aged 40-69. The males were aged 40-59 years, with a mean age of 49 years, while the females were aged 50-69 years, with a mean age of 59. The sample was adjusted for gender, age, and area of residence distribution. A questionnaire describing the demographic, social, educational status and income status was completed. Measurements were made of height and weight, and body mass index (BMI) was calculated for each subject. WHO classification was used for defining overweight (BMI 25-29.9 kg/m

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