Abstract

Background: Non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and hypertension are increasing worldwide. Overweight and obesity may be assessed using internationally accepted criteria developed by the World Health Organization and centers for disease control and prevention. Worldwide, over 1.9 billion adults aged 18 years and older are overweight. Around 600 million individuals are having general obesity which is defined as excessive generalized deposition and storage of fat with body mass index more than 25. Abdominal obesity defined as excessive abdominal fat around stomach and abdomen with the waist circumference (WC) more than 90 cm.

Objectives: The objectives of this study are to estimate the prevalence of overweight, general obesity, and abdominal obesity and to examine their associations with socioeconomic status among young men residing in a rural field practice area of SRM Medical College Hospital, Kancheepuram.

Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was done in the rural area of SRM Medical College Hospital involving 150 young adults (men) selected by simple random sampling method. The sample size was calculated based on the prevalence of 32% using the formula Z2αxPxQ/L2. Written informed consent was obtained from all the study participants. Each demographic and socioeconomic data were collected using questionnaires. A structured peer-reviewed questionnaire has been used to collect data regarding demographic characteristics and socioeconomic data. Anthropometric measurements including participant’s weight, height, and WC were assessed.

Results: About 39% of the study participants were found to be overweight and obese. Around 40% of study participants had WC more than 90 cm and about 60% of the study participants with a WC

Key words: Obesity; Overweight; Socioeconomic Status; Rural Men