Factors Associated With Overweight and Obesity Among Adults in Constantine

Objectives: In Algeria, as in all countries of the developing world, obesity has become more common among adults. The present study aims to assess the prevalence of overweight and obesity among adults in Constantine and its relationship with certain determining factors. Study design: A cross-sectional study with cluster sampling allowed us to estimate the prevalence of all categories of body mass index. Methods: The study was conducted in the city of Constantine capital of the district of Constantine. For this purpose, 1143 adults living in Constantine were interviewed. Results: The prevalence of overweight and obesity was respectively 32, 5 % and 30, 9 %. Women are more affected by obesity than men. Obesity is more common among people with no professional activity. Similarly, the level of education and the prevalence of obesity are inversely correlated; it only affects 25, 5 % of the educated subjects. The results of the logistic regression analysis show that the prevalence of overweight and obesity was significantly different according to age and marital status. The prevalence of obesity is significantly different according to sex and the level of education; sedentary people are 2.6 times more obese than those who are physically active. Conclusions: In this study the prevalence of overweight and obesity is high. Preventive measures are to be taken urgently.