Prevalence of obesity and diabetes in a rural village of India.

Abstract

Background: Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) pose a significant health burden in India, particularly in rural areas where healthcare, lifestyle, and socioeconomic factors present significant obstacles. Understanding of NCDs in these rural regions lags considerably behind that of urban areas.

Objectives: To study the prevalence, demographic, educational, and clinical profiles of obese and diabetic individuals in a rural village of Rajasthan, India.

Materials and methods: This was a retrospective analysis of a health screening which was done in Aruda village of Rajasthan, India, in May-June, 2023. A total of 364 individuals were screened, and their clinical examination was done. WHO Asia pacific criteria were used to define generalized obesity (GO) (BMI ≥25 Kg/m²) and abdominal obesity (AO) (waist circumference ≥90 cm in males and ≥80 cm in females). Student t-test or Wilcoxon rank sum test was used for the analysis. A P value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Result: The prevalence of GO was 20%, while AO was 39% among the screened population. The prevalence of diabetes (GO: 15% and AO: 12%) and hypertension (GO: 47% and AO: 44%) was significantly higher in individuals with GO and AO as compared to nonobese individuals' groups, respectively. There was no significant difference in gender and educational status of both GO and AO groups.

Conclusion: The prevalence of generalized and abdominal obesity is significantly high in this rural village population, and AO is comparatively more prevalent.