Evaluation of Obesity Prevalence and Physical Activity and Health Responsibility in Elazig City Population

Abstract

Objective: This paper examines obesity prevalence, physical activity and health responsibility in Elazig. Material and Method: The study was conducted on 2905 men (20 - 69) and 2131 women (20 - 69), with an average of (40.93 ± 9.14) chosen randomly. Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile was obtained via Healthy Lifestyle Behaviors Scale by Walker & Pender (1987). In this paper, three sub-evaluation dimensions of HPLP-II, health responsibility, exercise and nutritional behavior were used. Body compositions were obtained with bioelectrical impedance and Waist Circumference (WC) Central obesity by measuring waist circumference. Statistical analyses were assessed in SPSS 22.0. With Chi square, ANOVA, linear and logistic regression analyses, significance levels were p < 0.05 and 0.001. Result: Obesity prevalence was 38.8%, 37.9% and 38.4% and rate of WC abdominal prevalence was 38.2%, 29.3% and 33.0% in men, women and general population respectively. Obesity prevalence was more in men (p < 0.001). Combined prevalence rate of overweight and obese individuals was 70.1%. Obesity prevalence increases after 35 and reaches high (55% - 80%), and correlation rates were found significant (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Obesity prevalence and abdominal obesity were critical health issues among adults. Individuals couldn’t develop conscious attitudes towards physical activity, nutrition and health responsibility and overcome obesity. Social strategies should be developed to reduce obesity risk factors.