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Overweight and Obesity among Adults in Iraq: Prevalence and Correlates from a National Survey in 2015

Author

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  • Supa Pengpid

    (ASEAN Institute for Health Development, Mahidol University, Salaya, Phutthamonthon, Nakhon Pathom 73170, Thailand
    Department of Research Administration and Development, University of Limpopo, Sovenga 0727, South Africa)

  • Karl Peltzer

    (Department of Psychology, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa)

Abstract

This study aimed to estimate the prevalence and correlates of overweight and obesity among adults in Iraq. Data from a 2015 nationally representative cross-sectional survey of 3916 persons 18 years or older (M (median) age = 40 years, IQR (interquartile range) age = 29–52 years; men: M = 41 years, IQR = 29–54 years; women: M = 40 years, IQR = 30–51 years) who responded to a questionnaire, and physical and biochemical measures were analysed. Multinomial logistic regression was utilised to predict the determinants of overweight and obesity relative to under or normal weight. The results indicate that 3.6% of the participants were underweight (body mass index (BMI) <18.5 kg/m 2 ), 30.8% had normal weight (BMI 18.5–24.9 kg/m 2 ), 31.8% were overweight (25.0–29.9 kg/m 2 ), and 33.9% had obesity (BMI ≥30.0 kg/m 2 ). In the adjusted multinomial logistic regression, being aged 40–49 years (compared to 18–39 years old) (adjusted relative risk ratio (ARRR): 4.47, confidence interval (CI): 3.39–5.91), living in an urban residence (ARRR: 1.28, CI: 1.14–2.18), and having hypertension (ARRR: 3.13, CI: 2.36–4.17) were positively associated with obesity. Being male (ARRR: 0.47, CI: 0.33–0.68), having more than primary education (ARRR: 0.69, CI: 0.50–0.94), and having a larger household size (five members or more) (ARRR: 0.45, CI: 0.33–0.60) were negatively associated with obesity. Approximately two in three adult participants were overweight/obese, and sociodemographic and health risk factors were found that can be utilised in targeting interventions.

Suggested Citation

  • Supa Pengpid & Karl Peltzer, 2021. "Overweight and Obesity among Adults in Iraq: Prevalence and Correlates from a National Survey in 2015," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(8), pages 1-10, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:8:p:4198-:d:536763
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Hruby, A. & Manson, J.E. & Qi, L. & Malik, V.S. & Rimm, E.B. & Sun, Q. & Willett, W.C. & Hu, F.B., 2016. "Determinants and consequences of obesity," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 106(9), pages 1656-1662.
    2. Amina Aitsi-Selmi & Ruth Bell & Martin J Shipley & Michael G Marmot, 2014. "Education Modifies the Association of Wealth with Obesity in Women in Middle-Income but Not Low-Income Countries: An Interaction Study Using Seven National Datasets, 2005-2010," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 9(3), pages 1-10, March.
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