Prevalence and associated factors of obesity among adults in a rural community in Thailand: serial cross-sectional surveys 2018

PROJECT SUMMARY

Obesity is one principle risk factor leading to noncommunicable diseases including diabetes and hypertension. Additionally, obesity was confirmed to precipitate cardiovascular diseases, especially atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases (ASCVD). One recent report showed a low association between obesity and myocardial infarction, a moderate association with stroke and a high association with high blood pressure. Thus, when the process of obesity is interrupted, these complications will be terminated. In addition, some dietary behaviors associated with obesity include salt intake and coffee consumption. Related studies have reported an association between urine sodium levels as a proxy for salt intake, increasing BMI and metabolic syndrome.

However, only limited information is available on factors potentially responsible for obesity among adults in a remote rural community, and the required information is essential to focus on preventing problems. Decreasing BMI will help to reduce cardiovascular risks and any complications. The present study was conducted directly in a rural population and reported the prevalence of obesity among adults residing in a Thai rural community 2018. In addition, we investigated the associations of obesity and behavioral factors including urine sodium level.