Relationship Between Physical Activity, Consumption of Fruits And Vegetables, And Obesity Among The Staff of A Tertiary Institution In Southwest Nigeria.
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Abstract
Introduction:Obesity has reached epidemic proportions in many adult populations in Nigeria and several other developing countries. The objective of this study was to determine the relationship between the level of physical activity, consumption of fruits and vegetables, and obesity. Methods and Material: This study used a cross-sectional design and a modified WHO STEPwise Approach to Chronic Disease Risk Factor Surveillance questionnaire to assess physical activity, fruit/vegetable consumption, and body mass index (BMI) of the respondents. Statistical analyses were carried out to evaluate the association between socio-demographic variables, fruit and vegetable intake, physical activity, and obesity. Statistical significance was P-values <0.05. Results: Total respondents recruited were 321. Respondents who were < 45 years were the majority (79.8%). Mean BMI was 25.55 ± 4.38. The proportion of overweight and obesity among them were 31.2% and 16.2% respectively. Both overweight and obesity constituted 47.4% of the population. Most of the staff had inadequate daily intake of fruits and vegetables, and moderate intensity level of physical activities. Obesity is associated with age, gender, marital status, place of residence, the number of days per week that fruits and vegetables were eaten, and the time spent on the moderate intensity recreational activities (sports).
Conclusion: This study found that almost half of the staff were overweight or obese, and the levels of fruit/vegetable intake and physical activity were mostly low. Obesity prevalence correlated with many demographic and lifestyle factors. Workplace wellness programs may help address nutritional and physical activity behaviours to help reduce obesity rates.
Keywords: Obesity, overweight, body mass index, fruits and vegetables, physical activity, Diet, Lifestyle factors, Tertiary institution, Nigeria
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