Project Materials

OBESITY AND ITS IMPLICATIONS AMONG RURAL ADULT

ABSTRACT

This study was conducted to evaluate obesity and its repercussions among rural adults. The study specifically determined the level of obesity prevalence among rural adults, identified the factors that influence overweight and obesity among rural adults, identified the health risk factors associated with overweight and obesity among rural adults, and proposed strategies for preventing obesity among rural adults. The study used a survey descriptive research design. The survey generated 77 validated replies. The investigation followed the trait theories (Lay’s Theory). According to the data collected and assessed, the factors that influence overweight and obesity among rural adults include inherited, prenatal and early childhood influences, a bad diet, and insufficient physical activity. Furthermore, the study found that cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and certain types of cancer are among the health risks associated with overweight and obesity among rural persons. The report advises stakeholders to develop policies that recognise and address the rising concerns of children overweight and obesity in Nigeria in general during this phase of Health Sector Reform.

Chapter one

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

Obesity is the most prevalent dietary problem in wealthy societies. Obesity is defined as an unusually high level of body fat (Edinburgh 1995).

It is described as aberrant adipose tissue growth induced by fat cell expansion (hypertrophic obesity), an increase in the number of fat cells (hyperplastic obesity), or both (Park 2004).

Excess fat builds due to an imbalance between energy intake and expenditure. Obesity is extremely important since it is associated with higher morbidity and mortality rates. It increases the risk of major diseases and affects the efficiency and enjoyment of individuals affected.

Obesity is a chronic condition that affects both developed and developing countries, including children and adults. Obesity has become so widespread that it is displacing more traditional public health concerns, such as malnutrition (Park 2004). It’s become an international phenomenon.

Because there are no accurate data available and obesity definitions are not standardised, assessing the scale of the problem and comparing prevalence rates across nations is extremely difficult.

However, Stone and Saxon (2005) estimate that 10 to 20% of children and adolescents in developed nations are impacted.