Obesity and undernutrition and cardiovascular risk factors in rural and urban Gambian communities.
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.
van der Sande
M A
MA
Medical Research Council Laboratories, PO Box 273, Banjul, the Gambia, Africa. mvdsande@mrc.gm
Ceesay
S M
SM
Milligan
P J
PJ
Nyan
O A
OA
Banya
W A
WA
Prentice
A
A
McAdam
K P
KP
Walraven
G E
GE
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