Body Image Perception, Lifestyle Behaviours and Awareness of Obesity Among Adults

Vollständiger Abstract

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In the world at large, it is estimated that in 2022, 890 million adults live with obesity, which is 16% of the adult population. Moreover, 43% of the world’s adults are either overweight or obese. Obesity prevalence in Nigeria is about 15% among the adult population. Obesity is also more prevalent among women, urban dwellers, and people living in the south compared to the north. Obesity is caused by various factors, including lifestyle factors, biological factors, sociocultural factors, and environmental factors. Lifestyle factors include the consumption of high-calorie diets and lack of exercise. Biological factors include genetic predispositions and hormonal factors. Sociocultural factors include the desire for large body sizes as symbols of prosperity. Environmental factors include urbanisation and lack of recreational facilities. Obesity has significant physiological, psychological, and economic consequences, including increased risks of chronic conditions, social stigma, and healthcare costs, and while the current interventions include lifestyle changes, community-based education, culturally sensitive interventions, and clinical management, there are still gaps in awareness, perceptions of body image, insufficient community-based studies, and obstacles in management, which hinder its management. Recommendations include strengthening government policies, health education, practitioner education, and future comprehensive studies in communities to reduce health risks associated with obesity among adults.