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Increased energy intake and low physical activity are the major
contributors to rising levels of overweight/obesity and their co-
morbidities in many parts of the world. A Cross sectional survey
was carried out on 270 adults aged above 25 years and residing
in rural and urban areas of Ilala Municipality, Dar es Salaam. Food
frequency questionnaire and 24-hour recall methods were used to
assess energy intake. The Douglas bag technique assessed energy
expenditure, nutrition status and body composition were assessed by
body mass index, body fat content and waist hip ratio. Prevalence
of overweight/obese was higher among urban (28%), female’s (21%)
and subjects aged above 45 years (34%). Females had higher body
fat content (32%) than males (21%). 45% females and 4% males had
waist hip ratio greater than 1 and 0.85 respectively. Mean fasting
blood glucose level was 103.2 mg/dl. Females (46%) and subjects
aged above 54 years (61%) had fasting blood glucose level between
140-200 mg/dl. Mean total cholesterol concentration was 5 mmol/l,
that of low density lipoprotein was 6.0 mmol/l and high density
lipoprotein was 1.1 mmol/l. More than 55% consumed refined maize
flour, Irish potatoes, vegetable oil, and coconut milk for more than
4 days per week. Mean daily energy intake was 2134 kcal, and mean
daily energy expenditure was 1705 kcal; close to 94% of the subjects
had a positive energy balance. Subjects know very little about their
nutritional status and health risks associated with poor nutritional
status. Nutrition education should be emphasised at all levels so
as to prevent and decrease prevalence of obesity and associated
morbidities. |
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