ISSN 2326-7291
International Journal of Public Health and Epidemiology ISSN: 2326-7291 Vol. 3 (9), pp. 059-066, September, 2014. © International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
Age and sex trends in the prevalence of obesity among different youth populations in South-East Nigeria
Nwobodo Ed1, Anikeh LC1#, Obikili E2, Ajeigbe K3, Onwubuya EI4, Ejidike H5 and Chukwujekwu I6
1Department of Physiology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi Campus, Nigeria.
2Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine,University of Nigeria, Enugu, Nigeria.
3igbenedion University,Okada, Nigeria.
4Department of Medicine, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, Nigeria.
5Nwafor Orizu College of Education, Nsugbe, Nigeria.
6Department of Anatomy, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi Campus,Nigeria.
Accepted 26, May 2014
Abstract
There is need to continually monitor and document the trends of overweight and underweight in the public health context of developing nations so as to suitably adjust public health strategies and disease management approaches. This study reported the BMI trends of 2 different youth populations in southeast Nigeria. 2732 secondary school students were selected through a multi-stage sampling technique and their body mass indices obtained. The prevalence of overweight, obesity and underweight were determined using Body Mass Index (BMI). The findings were compared with the data of a cohort of medical school undergraduates (n=131). Approximately 75% and 66% respectively of secondary and tertiary students were underweight. The prevalence of overweight was 3% in secondary and 19% in tertiary student populations. Obesity was less than 1% in both groups. Only 21.99% and 14.52% respectively of the younger and older youth populations had normal BMI. The current mean prevalence of obesity among Nigeria youth populations was <1% while that of overweight was 11%. Underweight had a staggering rate of 70.5%, probably among the highest in the region. Both underweight and overweight have shown a rising trend. Underweight was commoner in females. Data indicates urgent need for containment measures.
Key words: Obesity, overweight, underweight, prevalence, Nigerian, youths, Age/Sex trend.