Prevalence and Determinants of the Co-Occurrence of Overweight or Obesity and Micronutrient Deficiencies among Adults in the Philippines: Results from a National Representative Survey

Abstract

The double burden of malnutrition (DBM) affects many low- and middle-income countries. However, few studies have examined DBM at the individual level, or undernutrition and overnutrition co-occurring within the same person. This study aims to investigate the prevalence and determinants of DBM among adults in the Philippines. Data from the 2013 National Nutrition Survey were used. The sample size in the analysis was 17,010 adults aged ≥20 years old, after excluding pregnant and lactating women. DBM was defined as the co-occurrence of overweight/obesity and anemia (definition #1), overweight/obesity and anemia or vitamin A deficiency (definition #2), and overweight/obesity and anemia or vitamin A deficiency or iodine insufficiency (definition #3). Anthropometric measurements and biochemical markers were used for DBM assessment. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, the chi-square test, and logistic regression by R software. Results showed that definition #3 is the predominant type of DBM (7.0%) in the general population, whereas the prevalence of DBM has increased to 23.7% in overweight/obese persons. Sex, age, educational attainment, marital status, household size, wealth quintile, and smoking status were the determinants of DBM. This study revealed that Filipino adults experience malnutrition critically and must be addressed through food and nutrition interventions.

Prevalence of overweight and its associated factors among Malaysian adults: findings from a nationally representative survey

“…The observed differences in dietary patterns across ethnic groups might explain this trend [38]. Additionally, the study found that married individuals were more likely to be overweight and obese compared to single people, a finding consistent with other studies [21,23,26,39]. The hypothesis is that having an obese spouse increases the likelihood of becoming obese due to comparable lifestyle behaviors [40].…”

“…This suggests that there has been a notable increase in the prevalence of overweight among Malaysian adults. Furthermore, the prevalence of overweight in Malaysia was higher than that observed in southern China [20], and most Southeast Asian countries [21-27], except for Brunei [28], but lower than the rates reported in the United States [29]. This finding is concerning, as it indicates that a significant proportion of Malaysian adults are overweight.…”

Spatial distribution and associated factors of co-occurrence of overweight/obesity and Anemia among women in the reproductive age in sub-Saharan Africa: A multilevel analysis, DHS 2016–2021

“…Regarding factors associated with co-occurrence of OWOB and anemia: being older age, married and richer wealth status [ 16 , 17 ], urban residency [ 16 , 18 ], being separated/divorced, widowed, unemployed, level of educational attainment [ 17 ], were significantly associated with co-occurrence of overweight/obesity and anemia. Besides, television watching [ 19 , 20 ], higher education [ 21 ], not working [ 19 ], use of hormonal contraception [ 22 , 23 ], and type of toilet facility [ 24 ], were associated with overweight and obesity.…”

“…The simultaneous occurrence of overweight/ obesity and Anemia was thought to be largely preventable, easy to treat if detected early, and approaches of control and prevention well-documented [ 17 , 18 ]. In 2012, the 65th World Health Assembly approved an action plan and global targets for maternal, infant, and child nutrition, with a target to reduce anemia prevalence by 50% and zero growth of overweight/obesity in reproductive-age women by 2025, standing from 2011 levels [ 30 , 31 ].…”

“…Despite these facts, the overall progress has been insufficient and still, it has continued to be a common cause of mortality and morbidity [ 16 ]. Suggested strategies aimed at prevention of co-occurrence of overweight/ obesity and anemia are focused on the major underlying causes and their risk factors [ 16 , 17 ]. However, there is a lack of data on the co-occurrence of OWOB and anemia, and geographically variable factors in developing nations.…”