Relation of Overweight and Obesity with Demographic and Behavioral Factors

Abstract

Overweight and obesity are risk factors for chronic diseases, among them diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, etc.
There are many factors that influence development of obesity and overweight, among them demographic and social data,
genetics, lifestyle. The objective of our study is to determine the correlation of overweight and obesity with demographic
data, social and behavioural factors, in Georgian population for males and females in the age group 18-64. The source of
research was the database for non-communicable diseases risk factor prevalence in Georgia conducted in 2010-2011;
Representative samples of adults aged 18-64 years had been analysed 6469 persons (4453 women and 1840 men) in a
whole. BMI (kg/m2) was dependent variables in separate multiple linear regression models for which predictors were
identified 1. Demographic and social factors - sex, age, education, marital status, working status 2. Behavioural factors:
Daily physical activity, alcohol consumption rate during last month, number of meal servings during the day (1,2,3,4),
smoking status. As the method of analyses also were used Chi-square test to compare the groups according to BMI and
calculation of odds ratios. Lifestyle, dietary behaviour, social status, and other socio-demographic factors affect BMI
differently. Age has the strong impact on the likelihood of overweight and obesity. Exercise reduces the probabilities of
being overweight and obese and the level of BMI among overweight individuals. Depending on the results of the study
health education programs can be targeted at individuals susceptible to overweight and obesity also useful recommendations maybe outlined according to sex, marital status, age, etc.