Influence of Dietary Habit on Obesity Development Among Nigerian Adults

Abstract Background/Objectives:Obesity remains a significant public health burden among adults globally, contributing to a wide range of health issues. Despite extensive research on obesity worldwide, there has been a notable gap in studies focusing on the specific dietary habits that contribute to general and abdominal obesity among Nigerian adults. This study aimed to fill this gap by evaluating the relationship between dietary habits and the risk of obesity among adults in Nigeria. Methods: A total of 1000 adults were included in this study (males= 558; females= 442). Body mass index (BMI) and waist-hips-ratio (WHR) were used to assess general and abdominal obesity respectively and they were categorized using WHO standard. Descriptive statistics were used to analyzed the sociodemographic characteristics of the participants. Prevalence ratio between dietary habits and both general and abdominal obesity were calculated using Robust Regression Analysis. Results: The prevalence of general obesity among adults was 15.9% (11.9% in males and 20.4% in females); abdominal obesity was 31.8% (29.6% in males and 33.9% in females). In all the dietary habits variables, we only found a relationship between alcohol consumption, when do you eat the largest portion of meal and obesity. We found a positive association between: alcohol and general obesity (Model 1: PR=0.690, 95%CI:1.482~1.988); abdominal obesity in male (model 1: PR=1.405, 95%CI: 0.970~1.757) and female (Model 1: PR: 1.432, 95%CI: 0.965~1.839; Model 2: PR: 1.327, 95%CI: 1.087~1.525); A positive association was observed between obesity and when you eat the largest portion of meal . Compared to those that consumed their largest portion of meal during breakfast, adults that consumed their largest portion of their meal during dinner had a higher risk of general obesity (Model 1: PR=1.050, 95%CI: 0.704 ~ 1.564; Model 2: PR=1.010, 95%CI: 0.679~1.501) and abdominal obesity in males (Model 1: PR=1.405, 95%CI: 0.970~1.757) and females (Model 1: PR=1.432, 0.965~1.839; Model 2: PR= 1.327, 1.087~1.525). Conclusion: This study highlights a concerning rise in obesity prevalence among Nigerian adults, significantly influenced by dietary habits. Our findings reveal an association between alcohol consumption, the timing of the largest meal and gender differences in the prevalence for both general and abdominal obesity. These findings may fill in knowledge to initiate discussions on food dietary guidelines and other targeted public health interventions for public health in Nigeria and similar countries with a high burden of obesity.