Obesity in relation to gender, educational levels and living area in adult population in Rasht, northern Iran

Abstract This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of overweight/obesity by sex, educational levels and living area in adult population in Rasht City, northern Iran. A cross-sectional survey on 6223 women aged 38.6 ± 5.9 years and 6028 men aged 43.1 ± 6.4 years was conducted in 2006. A random sample of 35 schools was selected from different parts of Rasht. The parents were asked about their age, education, body weight and height and home address. The overall prevalences of overweight/obesity in men and women were 55.6% and 67.9% ( p < 0.0001), respectively. Prevalence of overweigh/obesity was positively related to educational level in men. In women, a U shaped association between educational level and overweight/obesity was found. Overweight/obesity was more prevalent in women living in high income area than those who live in low income area (70.7% vs. 65.3% p < 0.0001). Living area was not related to the prevalence of overweight/obesity in men. These data suggested that overweight/obesity is a public health concern in Rasht. Knowing the risk factors in subgroups is important for planners at country level because it helps to target interventions.