Obesity and associated lifestyle behaviours in Iran: findings from the First National Non-communicable Disease Risk Factor Surveillance Survey

Abstract

Objective: To assess the national prevalence of overweight and obesity, as well as some associated lifestyle behaviours, for the first time in Iran. Design and Settings: This population-based study was performed in early 2005 as part of the World Health Organization (WHO) STEPwise approach to noncommunicable diseases' risk factor surveillance. Dietary and physical activity habits were assessed by WHO questionnaires. Subjects: The study population comprised 89 532 subjects aged over 15 years living in the 28 provinces of Iran. Results: Overall, 50.4% (n 5 45 113) of the participants were male and 64.6% (n 5 57 866) were from the urban areas. The national estimates of overweight, obesity and morbid obesity were 28.6%, 10.8% and 3.4%, respectively. Body mass index (BMI) $ 25 kg m 22 in men, women, urban residents and rural residents were found in 37%, 48%, 46.7% and 35.5%, respectively. Abdominal obesity was present in 43.4% of women, 9.7% of men, 28.5% of the urban residents and 23% of the rural residents. Overweight as well as generalised and abdominal obesity were more prevalent in the 45-64-year age group. Although there was no significant difference in frequency of consumption of the food groups in subjects with different BMI categories, various kinds of physical activities showed a steady decline with increasing BMI. Conclusions: The findings of the present study provide alarming evidence for health professionals and policy makers about the very high prevalence of generalised and abdominal obesity in Iran. The unhealthy lifestyle habits, notably sedentary lifestyles in our community, are the major contributing factors for this emerging public health problem.

Obesity in the north of Iran (South-East of the Caspian Sea)

“…The prevalence of obesity and overweight reported in Iran 3 18.1% and 32.0%, respectively. In another study 4 , overweight, obesity and pathologic obesity have been shown 28.6%, 10.8% and 3.4% of in adult people. The prevalence and pattern of obesity vary substantially from a nation to a nation, and its current prevalence (BMI ≥30 kg/m 2 ) ranges from as low as ≤ 5% in China, Japan, and African nations to as high as ≥75% in urban Samoa.…”

“…More prevalence of obesity in women than men 4,8 and in urban area than rural area 2,3 has been shown in some studies. In the developing countries, migration started from rural to urban areas, and it led to lifestyle changes in recent decades.…”

The Isfahan cohort study: Rationale, methods and main findings

“…5 As one of these countries, Iran has experienced both a rapid epidemiologic transition and change in the health and disease profile from predominantly infectious diseases to chronic non-communicable diseases. 6 Several cross-sectional studies have documented alarming prevalence rates of CVDs and their risk factors among the Iranian population, [7][8][9][10][11][12] but there is very limited data from longitudinal studies and those are limited to a metropolitan area of the capital city. 13 The Isfahan Cohort Study (ICS) is the first study of its kind, not only in Iran, but also in the Eastern Mediterranean region.…”

The Relationship between Lipid Profile and Hypertension

“…16 Low physical activity and consumption of diet with more of carbohydrates and saturated fatty acids such as fast-food have been associated with hyperlipidemia. 17 According to Dancy habitually active men and women are less likely to have hyper triglycerides and less HDL concentration. The positive correlation between lipid profile and BMI, and HT were in collaboration with previous studies and reaffirmed the role of lipids in the pathophysiology of overweight and obesity as well as increased accumulation of lipids with age.…”