Obesity in Adults: A Neglected Public Health Problem in Urban Areas ofKandahar City, Afghanistan

-Background:Obesity is a major public health problem particularly, for elderly, considered one of the most serious challenges all over the world. This study aims to determine the prevalence and risk factors of obesity among elders Kandahar city, Afghanistan. Methods and Materials: Descriptive and analytical cross sectional study was conducted in Kandahar city within October-November, 2015. Multistage random sampling technique used and 1165 adults of 25-70 years were cleaned for analysis. WHO STEPS approach used to collect data on demographic and behavioral factors. Physical measurement comprising height, weight and blood pressure including blood samples were collected and tested for biochemical measurements including blood lipids. Descriptive and inferential analyses were performed using SPSS v.20. Results: The prevalence of underweight, normal weight, overweight, obesity grade I, obesity grade II and obesity grade III were 4.9%, 44.8%, 34.3%, 11.2%, 2.9% and 1.9% respectively. Out of all respondents 597 (51.2%) were females and 568 (48.8%) males with a mean age of 38.3±11.2 years. Around two thirds (73.2%) were illiterates and (79.3%) were married. 9.7% were smokers and (16.3%) were mouth snuff users. The average of total cholesterol, glycerides, high density lipoprotein, low density lipoprotein and fast blood sugar were 183 mg /DL, 154.65mg/DL, 45.85mg/DL, 107.3 mg/DL and 131mg/DL respectively. Age, sex, education status, walking, triglyceride level, high blood pressure and central obesity were independently associated with obesity. Conclusion: Obesity is a cause of concern in urban citizens in Afghanistan. Increase awareness about obesity and healthy lifestyle is essential for adults to prevent obesity and its complications.