Prevalence of overweight, obesity and abdominal obesity in Bangladeshi university students: A cross-sectional study.

AIM: A sustained economic growth in Bangladesh leading to nutrition transition with negative impact on health followed to sedentary lifestyle, and obesity. Therefore, the study objective was to examine the prevalence of overweight, obesity and abdominal obesity among Bangladeshi university students.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study in Bangladeshi university students was conducted in December 2016 to April 2017. Randomly selected participants, aged 18-25 years were analyzed from three specific universities as per gender variation. The height and waist-circumference were measured using measuring tape and weight by personal weight scale.

RESULTS: Total samples 500, 64.6% (n = 323) were males, 34.5% (n = 117) were females and mean age (standard deviation) was 21.76 (1.86) years. The prevalence of overweight and obesity (14.86% vs. 11.86%) were significantly 1.29-fold higher in males than females (OR: 1.29, 95%CI: 0.75-2.25, p < 0.001). Mean waist-circumference was significantly (p < 0.001) higher in males than females, but the waist-to height ratio (WHtR) was higher in females than in males (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION: We conclude that the prevalence of overweight and obesity is significantly higher in male students than female university students of Bangladesh because of girls were so much concerned their physical appearance and wish a slim body than boys. However, future study and public health efforts are necessary to address complications of obesity problem and to promote active lifestyles.