Dietary, Health And Socıal Factors Related To Obesıtyın Trıpolı-Lıbya

Abstract

This study was carried out in Tripoli, Libya in the summer o f 2006 on a sample o f 600 women aged between 20-60 years. The subjects were randomly selected from three suburban districts o f Tripoli: Ghot-Alshal, Tajura and Alhadba Alkadra. The aim o f this study was to investigate the effect o f social, health and dietary factors on the distribulion o f obesity, which was measured by using Body Mass Index (BMI). Ali subjects, were weighed and measured for height. Data was collected by using a prepared questionnaire fo r ali subjects. The result o f the study showed a higher rates o f overweight and obesity (also expressed as fırst and 2nd degree obesity which was presented in (BMI) values as 25-29.9 kg/m2 and 30-39.9 kg/m2 respectively in the district o f Alhadba- ALkadra. Distribution o f subjects according to age groups and BMI values indicated that among age groups 30-39.9 years old, 57.9% were overweight and 60.0% were obese. As the educational level o f the subjects decreased, prevalence o f ovenveight and obesity increased. As fo r the occupational status, the unemployed subjects had a higher level for both overweight and obesity and so did the married subjects. High prevalence o f chronic disease such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart diseases arthritis and back pain was higher among obese subjects BMI 30-39.9 kg/m2 The relationship between food habits and prevalence o f obesity shows that obese subjects tend to consume high calorie foods such as starches, red meat, whole milk and milk products, sweets and sofi drinks more frequently, they also consume less vegetables and fruits as compared to none obese subjects.