Abstract:

BACKGROUND

The population of the elderly is seen as one of the fastest growing in the developing world. The elderly population is associated with many challenges. Obesity and overweight have being associated with increased mortality and reduced quality of life in the elderly. The study aimed at obtaining the prevalence and factors associated with obesity the elderly

METHOD

A cross-sectional studies was conducted among 401 pensioners using questionnaires and physical examination and laboratory examination of blood samples in the eastern regional capital of Ghana. Cross tabulations were used to obtain the prevalence of obesity and overweight. Logistic regression was carried out to find out factors associated with obesity and overweight.

FINDINGS

The prevalence of obesity among pensioners was 14.2%. Females were more likely to be obese with prevalence of 35.4% for female and 4.4% for males (p-value <0.001). Age, Social class, current marital status and highest educational level were socio-demographic factors associated with obesity/overweight. Hypertension, diabetes, serum total cholesterol, serum Low-density lipoprotein, serum triglyceride and use of eyeglasses were medical factors associated with obesity.

CONCLUSION

Obesity and overweight are associated with medical conditions even in the elderly population. Reducing obesity must start before pension.

KEY WORDS

Body Mass Index, Pensioners, elderly, prevalence, associated factors

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