Prevalence of Obesity in the Employees of Universities, Health and Research Institutions of Peshawar

Abstract

Prevalence of obesity, over weight and under weight was determined in both sexes of high and low-income employees of 11 schools/colleges/faculties/institutions of University of Peshawar, Khyber Medical College, Khyber Teaching Hospital, Engineering University, Agricultural University, Peshawar and Pakistan Forest Institute, Peshawar, Pakistan. A random sample of 50 employees of both sexes and of both income groups was selected from all schools/colleges/faculties/institutions except Faculty of Law and Agricultural University, Peshawar where 46 and 88 employees were selected respectively. In this way, a total of 834 employees of the different institutions were studied. Age, sex, income level, food preparation, eating pattern and activity level were recorded. Weights and heights of the employees were taken. The prevalence of obesity, over weight and under weight was assessed on the method of body mass index. The over all prevalence of obesity, over weight and under weight was 8.0, 29.6 and 5.4% respectively. The prevalence of obesity, over weight and under weight in the male employees was 6.9, 29.1 and 4.6% respectively and in the female employees was 11.1, 31.4 and 7.15% respectively. The prevalence of obesity, over weight and under weight in the male employees of the high-income group was 7.5, 34.9 and 1.6% respectively and in the male employees of the low income group was 6.5, 24.9 and 6.8% respectively. The prevalence of obesity, over weight and under weight in the females employees of the high income group was 13.6, 31.8 and 4.6% respectively and in the females of the low-income group was 7.4, 30.5 and 11.6% respectively. The data indicated that prevalence of obesity and over weight was high. The incidence was more in female than male employees. Also the prevalence was more in the high income group than the low income group. Precautionary measures in terms of food preparations, eating pattern and physical activity/exercise are needed.