Prevalence of obesity and over weight in adolescents and adult population in Shiraz

The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of obesity and overweight in adolescents and changes in prevalence of obesity among an adult population in Shiraz.

From January 2001 to April 2002, a cross sectional study was conducted with a sample population (n: 4048) aged 13-99 years consisting of 803 adolescents (13-18 years) and 3245 adults (> 18 years), selected by systematic random sampling anthropometric measurements including height and weight were taken. BMI was calculated and prevalences of obesity and over weight were determined for each sex by age groups.

Of the study population, 2. 9% of adolescents were obese and 11.3% were over weight. The prevalences of adult obesity and over weight were 11.7% and 33.3% respectively. The means for body mass index were 20.63.8 and 19.43. 4 for girls and boys respectively and 23. 8%±3.8% for men and 25. 3%3.6% for women. The prevalences of obesity and over weight are significantly higher among women obese women and men were more likely to be between 50-59 years of age and the among over weight men and women, a higher percentage were in the 40-49 year group.

This report showed a high percentage of over weight in adolescents the prevalence of obesity among adults has increased in southern Iran from several years ago. Intervention strategies and programs for weight reduction and control should be made a high public health priority.