Obesity, Physical Activity Pattern And Hypercholesterolemia Among Civil Servants In Bida Niger State Nigeria

Afam-Anene O.C.1, Okorie J.N.2, Maduforo A.N.3,

1Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Imo State University Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria. 2Department of Hospitality Management, School of General and Liberal Studies, Niger State Polytechnics Zungeru, Campus, Bida, Niger State, Nigeria. 3Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Nigeria Nsukka. Nigeria.

Corresponding author3: [email protected]: Mobile: +234-8033745621

ABSTRACT

Background: Lack of empirical data on the prevalence of overweight/obesity and hypercholesterolemia as well as their complications is of concern in developing countries like Nigeria. Thus, there is need for regular surveillance on the prevalence of these conditions to enable implementation of effective control strategies.

Objectives: The study assessed the prevalence of overweight/obesity, hypercholetrolemia and physical activity pattern among civil servants in Bida Local Goverment Area of Niger state Nigeria.

Methodology: Structured and validated questionnaire was used to obtain information on demographic and physical activity/exercise pattern from 402 subjects’ sampled using stratified random sampling by ballot without replacement in the study. Anthropometric data was measured with appropriate tool for each measurement. Total cholesterol was analysed using Randox Kit. Data was compared with standards and analyzed. Data was described with mean, standard deviation, frequency and percentage. Analysis was done with Chi square and Pearson coloration. Results were presented in tables and figures.

Result: Result revealed that 31.3% were overweight and 53.2% were obese, only 13.86% had normal percentage body fat, 41.79% of the respondents had a normal visceral fat level (≤9), 35.82% of the respondents had an increased health risk using waist circumference classification and 57.21% had an increased health risk when waist – hip ratio classification was used. Blood cholesterol result also showed that 74.4% were within normal range. This study showed that there is a positive correlation between serum cholesterol and BMI, %body fat, % skeletal muscle, visceral fat, waist circumference and hip circumference at P-value < 0.001.
Conclusion: There is epidemic of overweight/obesity and raised blood cholesterol among civil servants in Bida area.

Keywords: obesity, overweight, hypercholesterolemia, visceral fat, civil servants