Factors associated with obesity and abdominal obesity among malaysian older adults

• Main Authors: Apalasamy, Yamunah Devi, Awang, Halimah, Mansor, Norma, Ab Rashid, Nurfakhrina, Kamarulzaman, Nurul Diyana, Lih Yoong, Tan
• Format: Article
• Published: Sage Publications Inc 2021
• Subjects: HC Economic History and Conditions; RA0421 Public health. Hygiene. Preventive Medicine; RC Internal medicine
• Online Access: http://eprints.um.edu.my/28320/
• Institution: Universiti Malaya

Obesity is a rising concern globally. This study investigated the prevalence and factors associated with obesity and abdominal obesity (AO) among 5613 Malaysians aged 40 years and older via computer-assisted personal interviewing and anthropometric measurements. Obesity and AO prevalence were 37.8% and 63.1%, respectively. Significant associations were observed between: obesity with higher risk in patients aged between 40 and 49 years, odds ratio (OR) = 2.58 (95% confidence interval CI] = 2.06-3.23); Indians, OR = 1.69 (95% CI = 1.34-2.12); females, OR = 1.64 (95% CI = 1.45-1.86); income >= RM 2000, OR = 1.22 (95% CI = 1.05-1.43); and health status, OR = 0.74 (95% CI = 0.61-0.89); and AO with higher risk in patients aged between 50 and 59 years, OR = 1.39 (95% CI = 1.13-1.77); Indians, OR = 2.41 (95% CI = 1.87-3.12); females, OR = 1.28 (95% CI = 1.09-1.51); never married, OR = 0.47 (95% CI = 0.34-0.65); income >= RM 2000, OR =1.22 (95% CI = 1.03-1.43); and vigorous physical activity, OR = 1.27 (95% CI = 1.11-1.46). Hence, age, sex, income, and ethnicity are associated with both obesity and AO. Promoting healthy body mass index and waist circumference is essential for healthy ageing.