Obesity and Overweight Prevalence and Its Association with Diet and Physical Activity Among Female Teachers

Abstract

Obesity pervades all age groups, particularly among individuals with overnutrition and sedentary lifestyle. It is recognized globally as a serious health concern associated with various risks. A study investigated the prevalence of overweight and obesity involving 107 female teachers aged 25 to 55 years in Gilgit city’s schools and colleges. Chi-square tests were conducted to determine significant differences among categorical variables, with a significance level set at (p<0.05) for statistical test. Herein, results showed that among the participants, 56% of teachers were classified as obese, 25% as overweight and 19% as having a normal weight. Moreover, 57.8% led sedentary lifestyles, with 26.5% categorized as having low activity levels (p<0.05). Additionally, the intake of fruits and vegetables was alarming low (<1 serving size) in obese individuals, while their consumption of meat and fast/junk foods exceeded recommended intake levels (p<0.05). Conclusively, this study highlights that many obese or overweight participants maintain sedentary lifestyles, consume excessive amounts of fast foods, and have inadequate fruit and vegetable intake contrary to health recommendations. Thus, lower physical activity, frequent consumption of fast food, and limited intake of fruits and vegetables were significantly associated with higher rates of 
overweight and obesity among the teachers.