title: Obesity and undernutrition and cardiovascular risk factors in rural and urban Gambian communities.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study documented the prevalence of and cardiovascular risk factors associated with obesity and undernutrition in the Gambia.
  
  
  METHODS
  Adults (> or =15 years; N = 5373) from rural and urban areas completed a questionnaire; their height, weight, and waist and hip circumferences were measured, and their cardiovascular risk factors were assessed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Prevalence of undernutrition (body mass index < 18 kg/m(2)) was 18.0%; all strata of society were affected. Prevalence of obesity (body mass index > or =30 kg/m(2)) was 4.0% but was higher (32.6%) among urban women 35 years or older. Cardiovascular risk factors were more prevalent among obese participants.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Undernutrition coexists with obesity, demonstrating a "double burden of disease." Differential interventions should focus on high-risk groups; prevention needs a multisectorial approach.
authors.affiliation: Medical Research Council Laboratories, PO Box 273, Banjul, the Gambia, Africa. mvdsande@mrc.gm
authors.forename: M A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: van der Sande
authors.forename: S M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Ceesay
authors.forename: P J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Milligan
authors.forename: O A
authors.initials: OA
authors.lastname: Nyan
authors.forename: W A
authors.initials: WA
authors.lastname: Banya
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Prentice
authors.forename: K P
authors.initials: KP
authors.lastname: McAdam
authors.forename: G E
authors.initials: GE
authors.lastname: Walraven
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology*; D005260:Female; D005714:Gambia / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009748:Nutrition Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology*; D009765:Obesity / Q000453:epidemiology*; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D012423:Rural Health; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014504:Urban Health