Obesity and undernutrition and cardiovascular risk factors in rural and urban Gambian communities.
van der Sande, MA;
Ceesay, SM;
Milligan, PJ;
Nyan, OA;
Banya, WA;
Prentice, A;
McAdam, KP;
Walraven, GE;
(2001)
Obesity and undernutrition and cardiovascular risk factors in rural and urban Gambian communities.
American journal of public health, 91 (10).
pp. 1641-1644.
ISSN 0090-0036
DOI: https://doi.org/10.2105/ajph.91.10.1641
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OBJECTIVES: This study documented the prevalence of and cardiovascular risk factors associated with obesity and undernutrition in the Gambia. METHODS: Adults (> or =15 years; N = 5373) from rural and urban areas completed a questionnaire; their height, weight, and waist and hip circumferences were measured, and their cardiovascular risk factors were assessed. RESULTS: Prevalence of undernutrition (body mass index < 18 kg/m(2)) was 18.0%; all strata of society were affected. Prevalence of obesity (body mass index > or =30 kg/m(2)) was 4.0% but was higher (32.6%) among urban women 35 years or older. Cardiovascular risk factors were more prevalent among obese participants. CONCLUSIONS: Undernutrition coexists with obesity, demonstrating a "double burden of disease." Differential interventions should focus on high-risk groups; prevention needs a multisectorial approach.