title: Prevalence of obesity and its associated risk factors among Chinese adults in a Malaysian suburban village.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Obesity is a major modifiable risk factor associated with most chronic diseases. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of obesity, and its associated risk factors, among apparently healthy Chinese adults in a Malaysian suburban village.
  
  
  METHODS
  This was a cross-sectional study conducted among the Chinese residents in Seri Kembangan New Village, Klang Valley, Selangor, Malaysia. Convenience sampling was used for the selection of participants. Body weight, height, waist and hip circumferences, and blood pressure were measured. Fasting venous plasma was drawn for the measurement of fasting glucose level and lipid profile. Data on sociodemographic factors, dietary habits, physical activity, perceived stress level and sleep duration were collected using interviewer-administered, pretested and validated questionnaires.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Among the 258 Chinese residents (mean age 41.4 ± 10.0 years) recruited, the prevalence of obesity was 40%. The obese participants had significantly higher mean blood pressure, and triglyceride and fasting plasma glucose levels than the non-obese participants (p < 0.05). The obese participants also had a significantly lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level than the non-obese participants. Logistic regression analysis showed that drinking soy milk (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 0.447; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.253-0.787; p < 0.05) and the perception that a balanced diet consists mainly of vegetables (adjusted OR 0.440; 95% CI 0.215-0.900; p < 0.05) were associated with a reduced risk of obesity. The risk of obesity was higher in younger participants (adjusted OR 2.714; 95% CI 1.225-6.011; p < 0.05).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The prevalence of obesity was high among the apparently healthy suburban Chinese. Our findings suggest that soy milk consumption and the perception that a balanced diet consists mainly of vegetables are associated with a lower risk of developing obesity in this population.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pre-Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Sungai Long Campus, Lot PT 21144, Jalan Sungai Long, Bandar Sungai Long, Cheras, 43000 Kajang, Selangor, Malaysia. waifong.chew@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Wai Fong
authors.initials: WF
authors.lastname: Chew
authors.forename: Mamot
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Masyita
authors.forename: Pooi Pooi
authors.initials: PP
authors.lastname: Leong
authors.forename: Nem Yun
authors.initials: NY
authors.lastname: Boo
authors.forename: Thaw
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Zin
authors.forename: Kong Bung
authors.initials: KB
authors.lastname: Choo
authors.forename: Sook Fan
authors.initials: SF
authors.lastname: Yap
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000886:Anthropometry; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000032:analysis; D001794:Blood Pressure; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis; D002681:China / Q000208:ethnology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000175:diagnosis; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008296:Malaysia / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009043:Motor Activity; D009765:Obesity / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000208:ethnology*; D016017:Odds Ratio; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D041942:Soy Milk; D013383:Suburban Population; D014280:Triglycerides / Q000097:blood; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D001786:Blood Glucose; D014280:Triglycerides