Fawad Ahmad Randhawa, Ghazala Mahmud, Saima Rasheed, Ahmer Asad.
Obesity in Pakistan - a new epidemic.
Rawal Med J Jan ;46(2):446-9.

Objective: To assess nationwide prevalence of obesity across Pakistan. Methodology: A multi-center study was conducted across 11 cities of Pakistan from 11th October 2018 to 11th June 2019. Individuals of age >=15 years were included. Body mass index (BMI) and individual perception about obesity and bodyweight were recorded. Data were analyzed using SPSS 21. Results: About 73% perceived themselves to be obese. On Asia-Pacific BMI classification, 166 (6.7%) were overweight and 2,202 (88.2%) were obese. Overweight and obesity were significantly associated with middle age (p<0.01), hypertension (p=0.04), lack of exercise (p<0.01), sedentary professions (p<0.01), and eating habits (p=0.01). Conclusion: Obesity is highly prevalent in Pakistan. General population underestimates their bodyweight. Focus should be maintained on identifying the risk factors from the early age and taking necessary steps like life style modification to prevent them.

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