Prevalence and determinants of overweight and obesity in the workers of Shiraz hospitals

Background: Obesity is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality that detection of its risk factors will lead to a reduction in its burden. Aim and objectives: The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of overweight and obesity and its determinants among Shiraz hospitals’ staff. A random sample of 1023 hospitals staff was selected with categorical random sampling method. Data were collected by questions of demographic/occupational/ GHQ28/ IHS (International Headache Society) and general physical examinations. Result: The overall prevalence of overweight and obesity were estimated 27.8 % and 7.0% respectively. Prevalence of overweight and obesity were 28.5 and 6.7% in men and 27.5 and 7.1% in women respectively. Univariate and multiple linear regressions in SPSS v19 were used for analysis. In multiple linear regressions, BMI had direct relationship with age, having tension headache and systolic and diastolic blood pressure and indirect relationship with irregular sleeping and widow (er) status. Smoking, shift work and exercise were among the variables that showed no association with BMI. Conclusion: BMI status deserves more attention, especially concerning strategies leading to primary prevention and control. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjms.v13i3.10897 Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.13(3) 2014 p.260-267