A population-based study of obesity and its complications in southern Islamic Republic of Iran.

Background: General and central obesity are important risk factors for chronic diseases and health-related outcomes.

Aims: We determined the prevalence of obesity and related complications among individuals aged 40-70 years in Kherameh, southern Islamic Republic of Iran.

Methods: This cross-sectional study included 10 663 people aged 40-70 years who participated in the first phase of the Kherameh cohort study. Data were collected on demographic characteristics, history of chronic diseases, family history of diseases, and various clinical measures. We used multiple logistic regression analysis to establish the relationships between general and central obesity, and related complications.

Results: Of the 10 663 participants, 17.9% had general obesity and 73.5% had central obesity. In people with general obesity, the odds of having the non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and cardiovascular disease were 3.10 times and 1.27 times higher than in individuals with normal weight, respectively. People with central obesity had higher odds of having other components of metabolic syndrome such as hypertension (OR: 2.87; 95% CI: 2.53-3.26), high triglyceride levels (OR: 1.71; 95% CI: 1.54-1.89), and low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels (OR: 1.53; 95% CI: 1.37-1.71) than those without central obesity.

Conclusions: The study showed a high prevalence of general and central obesity and health-related effects, and its association with several comorbidities. Given the level of obesity-related complications found, primary and secondary prevention interventions are needed. The results may help health policymakers establish effective interventions to control obesity and related complications.