Prevalence and covariates of obesity in Lebanon: findings from the first epidemiological study.
OBJECTIVE
To estimate the prevalence of overweight and obesity and examine associated covariates in the Lebanese population.


METHODS
A cross-sectional survey of a representative sample of 2104 individuals, 3 years of age and older. Anthropometric measurements and dietary assessments were conducted following standard methods and techniques. Overweight and obesity (classes I to III) were defined according to internationally standardized criteria for classification of BMI.


RESULTS
For children 3 to 19 years of age, prevalence rates of overweight and obesity were higher overall for boys than girls (22.5% vs. 16.1% and 7.5% vs. 3.2%, respectively). For adult men and women (age > or = 20 years), the prevalence of overweight was 57.7% and 49.4%, respectively. In contrast, obesity (BMI > or = 30 kg/m(2)) was higher overall among women (18.8%) than men (14.3%), a trend that became more evident with increasing obesity class. BMI, percentage of body fat, and waist circumference increased to middle age and declined thereafter. Whereas lack of exercise associated significantly with obesity among children, obesity in older adults was more prevalent among the least educated, nonsmokers, and those reporting a family history of obesity.


CONCLUSIONS
The results from this national population-based study in Lebanon show high prevalence rates of overweight and obesity comparable with those observed in developed countries such as the United States. While further studies are needed to examine the underlying social and cultural factors associated with lifestyle and nutritional habits, now is the time to institute multicomponent interventions promoting physical activity and weight control nationwide.
Sibai
Abla Mehio
AM
Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, Riad el Solh, Beirut 1107-2020, Lebanon.
Hwalla
Nahla
N
Adra
Nada
N
Rahal
Boushra
B
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000375:Aging; D000886:Anthropometry; D001824:Body Constitution; D015992:Body Mass Index; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004032:Diet; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007861:Lebanon / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity / Q000453:epidemiology*; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012737:Sex Factors