Objectives: The aim of this study is to determine the obesity status among women ³ 40 years of age in Yeşilyurt district in Malatya.
Material and methods: 618 women were administered a questionnaire to characterize subjects with regard to age, educational level, diseases related to obesity and dietary behaviors face to face. 61.2% of women were illiterate, 73.9% were married. The height, weight, waist and hip circumference were measured. Obesity was evaluated in relation to Body Mass Index [weight (kg) / height (m2)]. Android obesity (abdominal obesity) was evaluated in relation to waist to hip circumference ratio. Obesity was defined as a BMI of ³ 25. Android obesity was defined as a waist to hip ratio >0.8 in women.
Results: 485 women (78.5%) were obese (BMI ³ 25). 133 women (21.5%) were not obese. 422 women (68.3%) were android obese (central obese). Obesity was observed least in women ³70 years of age. Obesity incidence was found to be higher in women with number of birth ³3, with diabetes, eating rapidly and eating among meals.
Conclusion: Prevention of obesity that has role in many chronical diseases can be achieved got with healthy nutrition and increased physical activity. Health education programs may be prepared, especially at schools.
Key words: Obesity, body mass Index, android obesity
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