Obesity and its related factors among women from popular neighborhoods in Casablanca, Morocco.

摘要

Study of overweight and obesity among women from modest neighborhoods in Casablanca and the related factors influencing this phenomenon.A survey was conducted in 6 neighborhoods of Casablanca using multistage cluster sampling. Anthropometric parameters and body composition were measured, and information about food habits, sociodemographic situation and body image perception were collected using a questionnaire.425 adult women from popular neighborhoods in Casablanca.We found a prevalence of 47% obesity and 36% overweight. Obesity and overweight exceeded 80% in all age categories except among women < 25 years, where we found a prevalence of 44% overweight. Furthermore, abdominal obesity prevalence was high in all age categories with an overall prevalence of 67%. Body image perception data showed that 62% women perceived their weight as being either normal or insufficient, 46% of those women were, in fact, either overweight or obese. Fattening products were used by 12% of the population at least once, especially by women < 35 years, 68% of these women were overweight or obese at the time of the study.The problem of obesity in this society is amplified by its perception of a regular weight and by the use of fattening substances even among young and educated women.