Factors associated with obesity and abdominal obesity among malaysian older adults
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
7-1-2021
Abstract
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.
Keywords
Obesity, Central obesity, BMI, Ageing, Malaysia Ageing and Retirement Survey, MARS
Funders
Social Wellbeing Research Centre, Universiti Malaya
Publication Title
Asia-Pacific Journal of Public Health
Volume
33
Issue
5
Publisher
Sage Publications Inc
Publisher Location
2455 TELLER RD, THOUSAND OAKS, CA 91320 USA