Obesity and lifestyle factors in male hospital out-patients in Thailand

Abstract

The aim of this study was exploring the prevalence of obesity and to determine the factors associated with obesity among male out-patients in Thailand. In a cross-sectional survey consecutive male out-patients from four district hospitals in Nakhon Pathom Province in Thailand were assessed with various measures, including anthropometric measurements. The sample included 2190 study participants, with a mean age of 36.2 years (SD=11.7), range 18-60 years. Results indicate that more than one-third (38.0%) of the participants were considered BMI obesity, 6.8% were underweight, 37.1% normal weight, 18.1% overweight, 29.1% obese class I, and 8.9% obese class II; the mean BMI was 24.8 kg/m2. In multivariate logistic analysis, being employed, having a higher income, having diabetes and/or hypertension, short sleep duration and not being a moderate or high alcohol user was associated with obesity. As a conclusion, a high prevalence and several risk factors of obesity were found among male out-patients.