Body Mass Index and Waist-To-Hip ratio among adults of Obowo Nationality in Imo State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study investigates the nutritional health status of adults in Obowo L.G.A. Imo State, Nigeria, as indicated by their BMI and WHR. 500 adults were recruited for the study and using standard procedures, their height, weight, and waist-hip circumference, were measured and recorded for BMI and WHR determination. Data were analyzed using SPSS for discrete statistics and test of significance. Results showed a non-significant difference (P>0.05) in the mean BMI between males (26.45±0.73kg/m²) and females (24.65±0.16kg/m²). Male subjects presented a greater degree of obesity and are at a higher risk for cardiovascular diseases as 1.6%, 42.8%, 28% and 27.6% of the males and 2.8%, 60.4%, 22.8% and 14% of the females were found to be underweight, normal, overweight and obese respectively. However, a significant difference (P<0.05) was observed in the mean WHR between the males (0.92) and females (0.80), and while the health condition of 2.4% of the males were good, that of 13.6% were better, with 58% and 36% at moderate and high risk respectively. Amongst the females, 6.8% and 32.4% had good and better health conditions respectively, with 36% of them at moderate risk. The results of this study are therefore, recommended for health counseling in Imo State.

Keywords: Body Mass Index, Waist-to-Hip Ratio, Hip circumference, Waist circumference, Obesity.