Obesity and Overweight among Medical Teachers in College of Medicine in university of Kufa

Abstract

Objective: this study was conducted to determine the prevalence of obesity and overweight and some associated factors among teachers in medical college in Kufa university.Design and methods: A cross sectional study on obesity and overweight covering 96 medical teachers in medical college in Kufa university was carried out during the period 1st of April to 1st of august 2011, data collection done by using questionnaire and measurement of weight and height by using weight display instrument which is present in community medicine departmentResults : results of this study shows that there is 36.5% of participants suffering from overweight and 18.8% suffering from obesity.In the current study no significant association between sex and body mass index (BMI) (P=0.417) and also no significant association between BMI and obesity in first degree relatives (P=0.944).This study shows no significant association between BMI and having chronic disease (P=0.856).This study shows significant association between BMI and number of meals taken between the main meals (P=0.024) also significant association between BMI and exercise (P=0.023)Conclusion: the results show that the problem is big among this group of community and the need to change their lifestyle from sedentary lifestyle to more active one and change dietary habits and establish a center for exercise inside the university and encourage all medical teachers to participate in it.

Keywords

obesity, overweight, BMI