Abstract:

INTRODUCTION: To assess the prevalence of obesity and its risk factors in 20-49 year old women who admitted to diet clinic.METHODS: This study was carried out with 1117 women. Body Mass Index was calculated by the formula: body weight/height (kg/m²), body composition was assessed by bioelectrical impedance analysis; waist circumference was measured and waist/height ratio was calculated. For determining the physical activity status of individuals, individual physical activity records were investigated. In addition, the variables associated with obesity were assessed in relation to BMI.RESULTS: A total of 71.3% women were obese. Increased age, low education levels, and being married were the factors which increase the rate of obesity. Nearly all of the women (95%) who had ≥4 parity were obese. When compared to women who lives in a family more than five people, obesity rate was significantly higher in women who lives in a family less than five people. In addition, majority of women who quit smoking (83.3%) or have a sedentary life-style (85.1%) were obese.DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Approximately, three out of four women is obese who applied to the diet clinic. The most important risk factors of obesity are increased age, low educational level, being married, having ≥4 parity, living in a family more than five people and having sedentary lifestyle.

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