ABSTRACT
Obesity and its consequences in rural adults were investigated in this study. The study estimated the prevalence of obesity in rural adults, identified factors that influence overweight and obesity in rural adults, identified health risk factors associated with overweight and obesity in rural adults, and suggested approaches to prevent obesity in rural people. The survey descriptive research design was used in this study. The survey yielded a total of 77 valid replies. The Trait Theories (Lay’s Theory) were used in the research. The data demonstrated that inherited, prenatal, and early life impacts, poor food, and insufficient physical activity are among the factors that influence overweight and obesity among rural adults. Furthermore, cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and certain types of malignancies are all linked to overweight and obesity in rural individuals, according to the data. During this moment of Health Sector Reform, the report advises stakeholders to develop policies that acknowledge and address the rising concerns of childhood overweight and obesity in Nigeria.
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
Obesity is the most frequent dietary issue in affluent societies. Obesity is a medical disorder marked by an unusually high level of body fat (Edinburgh 1995). It’s characterized as abnormal adipose tissue growth caused by fat cell enlargement (hypertrophic obesity), a rise in the number of fat cells (hyperplastic obesity), or a combination of the two (hyperplastic obesity) (Park 2004). An imbalance in energy intake and expenditure leads to the accumulation of excess fat. Obesity has been related to increased morbidity and mortality, hence its significance cannot be emphasized. It increases the risk of major diseases and lowers the efficiency and enjoyment of those who are affected.
Obesity is a chronic condition that affects both children and adults in both developed and developing countries.
Obesity has become so widespread that it has displaced more traditional public health problems like starvation (Park 2004). It has now become a global phenomenon. Because no accurate data are available and definitions of obesity are not defined, determining the scope of the problem and comparing prevalence rates across nations is extremely challenging. In wealthy countries, however, it is estimated that 10 to 20% of children and adolescents are affected (Stone, & Saxon, 2005).
Overweight is characterized as having an excess of body weight but not necessarily body fat; a BMI of 25–29.9 is considered overweight. The Body Mass Index (BMI) is suitable for assessing obesity in children aged two and up (Deurenberg, Westrate & Seidell 1991) Despite the fact that children and adults have the same BMI number, the criteria used to interpret the figure’s meaning for children and teens differ from those used for adults. BMI percentiles for age and gender are utilized (www.cdc) Tables have been produced by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to assist in determining this in children (www.cdc.gov). Obese is defined as a BMI greater than the obesity cut-off value, whereas overweight (but not obese) is defined as a BMI between the overweight and obesity cut-off values (www.cdc.gov). The BMI cut-off value for normal weight is lower than that for overweight (Stone, & Saxon, 2005).
STATEMENT OF PROBLEM
Obesity is a health risk and a hindrance to one’s well-being, as indicated by higher morbidity and mortality rates (Park 2004). Other chronic and noncommunicable diseases’ natural histories are influenced by it. Obesity is currently regarded as a severe public health concern, owing to its increased prevalence and a slew of detrimental health effects (Kosen, 2018). Incidence of chronic diseases is increasing considerably more rapidly in emerging countries than in industrialized countries. Childhood obesity is growing increasingly common in low- and middle-income countries, according to data. Malnutrition and obesity coexist in many poor countries (Katz, 2007). Obesity has a slew of negative health effects. These obese children’s early problems are frequently emotional or psychological in character. Obesity is linked to a number of major health problems, including diabetes and heart disease. Other conditions include liver illness, menarche (early puberty), eating disorders such anorexia, skin infections, asthma, and other respiratory issues (Mayoclinic 2009). Obese persons, according to studies, are more likely to develop diseases. Obesity in adolescent has been linked to a higher mortality rate in adulthood. At school, obese students are frequently teased, harassed, and ridiculed. At home, they may be subjected to harassment, discrimination, and slurs from family members and neighbors. Anxiety, despair, low self-esteem, frustration, and even withdrawal are all possible outcomes. Obesity is on the rise, according to a study, and physical inactivity, disordered eating beliefs, and disordered behaviors have all been associated to greater rates of overweight and obesity. According to a 2008 study, obese persons have carotid arteries that have aged up to thirty years prematurely, as well as aberrant cholesterol levels. The carotid artery of a 15-year-old obese youngster is that of a 45-year-old. Noncommunicable diseases will account for roughly three-quarters of all deaths in the developing world by 2020, according to World Health Organization projections (Katz, 2007), and adolescent obesity is likely to be a major risk factor. Rising childhood obesity rates in developing countries will almost probably impose a major socioeconomic and public health burden on poorer countries in the not-too-distant future. Nigeria is a developing African country.
OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY
The primary goal of this study is to determine the prevalence of obesity and its consequences among rural adults. The study’s objectives are as follows:
Examining the incidence of obesity among individuals in rural areas
Identifying the elements that influence rural persons’ overweight and obesity
Identifying the health risks linked with rural persons being overweight or obese.
Suggestions for preventing obesity among adults in rural areas.
RESEARCH QUESTIONS
This study will address the following research questions:
What is the prevalence of obesity among adults in rural areas?
What variables influence overweight and obesity among adults in rural areas?
What are the health risks connected with rural persons being overweight or obese?
What strategies can be done to keep adults in rural areas from becoming obese?
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
It is vital to create and communicate research information to policymakers, health care practitioners, parents, and the general public in order to address obesity at an early age (Pinhass-Hamiel O, Zietler P 2000). The rising trends in the factors that influence overweight and obesity among rural adults are clear health issues that require specific investigations and data in order to develop interventions. Little is known about the prevalence of overweight and obesity in Nigeria (like in other developing nations) due to the limited number of studies accessible, particularly in the South Eastern States of Nigeria. In order to provide a reliable assessment of the situation in Nigeria, more studies and data are required.
SCOPE OF THE STUDY
Obesity and its consequences in rural adults will be the focus of this investigation. This research will look into the prevalence of obesity in rural adults, the factors that influence overweight and obesity in rural adults, the health risks associated with overweight and obesity in rural adults, and ways to prevent obesity in rural people.
Participants for this study will be residents of Uyo Local Government in Akwa Ibom State.
LIMITATION OF THE STUDY
This study has the same limitations and obstacles as any other questionnaire-based study, such as disobedience by certain respondents and a lack of knowledge regarding the problem under investigation. Finally, money and time limits were two of the problems that severely limited the scope of our research.
DEFINITION OF TERMS
Obesity is a complicated condition characterized by an excess of body fat. Obesity is more than a cosmetic issue. It’s a medical condition that raises the risk of developing other diseases and health issues like heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and some malignancies.
Implications: a conclusion that can be derived from anything despite the fact that it is not expressed clearly.
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