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Prevalence, Associated Factors and Psychological Determinants of Obesity among Adults in Selangor, Malaysia

Author

Listed:
  • Sherina Mohd-Sidik

    (Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Malaysia)

  • Rampal Lekhraj

    (Department of Community Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Malaysia)

  • Chai Nien Foo

    (Department of Population Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Kajang 43000, Malaysia)

Abstract

Background: The pervasiveness of obesity is a growing concern in the world. This study aims to determine the prevalence of obesity among a segment of the Malaysian population, as well as investigate associated factors and psychological determinants of obesity. Methods: A cross-sectional study design was carried out in Selangor, Malaysia. A total of 1380 Malaysian adults (≥18 years old) participated in a structured and validated questionnaire survey. TANITA body scale and SECA 206 body meter were used to measure the respondents’ weight and height, from which measurements of their body mass index (BMI) were calculated. Results: The overall prevalence of obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m 2 ) among adults in Selangor, Malaysia, was 18.6%. Factors significantly associated with increased risk of obesity were: being female (OR = 1.61, 95% CI [1.20–2.17]), aged between 30 to 39 years old (OR = 1.40, 95% CI [1.04–1.88]), being Indian (OR = 1.55, 95% CI [1.13–2.12]), married (OR = 1.37, 95% CI [1.03–1.83]), and having only primary school education (OR = 1.80, 95% CI [1.17–2.78] or secondary school education (OR = 1.37, 95% CI [1.04–1.81]). In the multiple linear regression analysis (stepwise method), perceived stress (B = −0.107, p = 0.041), suicidal ideation (B = −2.423, p = 0.003), and quality of life in the physical health domain (B = −0.350, p = 0.003) inversely and significantly contributed to BMI among males. Among females, stressful life events contributed positively to BMI (B = 0.711, p < 0.001, whereas quality of life in the psychological domain had a negative effect (B = −0.478, p < 0.001) in this respect. Conclusion: There is an urgent need to integrate psychological approaches to enhance the effectiveness of obesity prevention strategies and weight-loss programs.

Suggested Citation

  • Sherina Mohd-Sidik & Rampal Lekhraj & Chai Nien Foo, 2021. "Prevalence, Associated Factors and Psychological Determinants of Obesity among Adults in Selangor, Malaysia," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(3), pages 1-17, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:3:p:868-:d:483782
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Chai Nien Foo & Manohar Arumugam & Rampal Lekhraj & Munn-Sann Lye & Sherina Mohd-Sidik & Zubaidah Jamil Osman, 2020. "Effectiveness of Health-Led Cognitive Behavioral-Based Group Therapy on Pain, Functional Disability and Psychological Outcomes among Knee Osteoarthritis Patients in Malaysia," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(17), pages 1-12, August.
    2. Che Wan Jasimah Wan Mohamed Radzi & Hashem Salarzadeh Jenatabadi & Ayed R. A. Alanzi & Mohd Istajib Mokhtar & Mohd Zufri Mamat & Nor Aishah Abdullah, 2019. "Analysis of Obesity among Malaysian University Students: A Combination Study with the Application of Bayesian Structural Equation Modelling and Pearson Correlation," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(3), pages 1-17, February.
    3. Marion Devaux & Franco Sassi & Jody Church & Michele Cecchini & Francesca Borgonovi, 2011. "Exploring the Relationship Between Education and Obesity," OECD Journal: Economic Studies, OECD Publishing, vol. 2011(1), pages 1-40.
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    1. Hui Chin Koo & Lay Kim Tan & Geok Pei Lim & Chee Cheong Kee & Mohd Azahadi Omar, 2023. "Obesity and Its Association with Undiagnosed Diabetes Mellitus, High Blood Pressure and Hypercholesterolemia in the Malaysian Adult Population: A National Cross-Sectional Study Using NHMS Data," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(4), pages 1-18, February.
    2. Marta Buczkowska & Michał Górski & Joanna Domagalska & Krzysztof Buczkowski & Przemysław Nowak, 2022. "Type D Personality and Health Behaviors in People Living with Obesity," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(22), pages 1-22, November.

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