Prevalence of obesity and associated sociodemographic and lifestyle factors in Morocco

Objective: In Morocco, the association between obesity/overweight and sociodemographic and lifestyle factors is poorly understood. The present study aimed to investigate this association in a representative sample of the Moroccan population aged 18 years and above. Design: This is a cross-sectional study using a questionnaire including demographic, socio-economic and physical activity items. Height and weight were measured and BMI was computed. The association between obesity (BMI >= 30.0 kg/m(2)) or overweight (25.0 <= BMI < 29.9 kg/m(2)) and the other variables was analysed using multiple binomial logistic regression, separately in men and women. Setting: The whole Moroccan territory. Subjects: A total of 2891 subjects took part in the survey (1430 men and 1461 women). Results: The prevalence of obesity was 20.9% in women and 6.0% in men (P < 0.0001). The prevalence of overweight was 32.9% in women v. 26.8% in men (P < 0.0001). In women, the risk of obesity and overweight increased with age, with the highest risk being in individuals aged 45-54 years (OR = 3.02, 95% CI 2.06, 4.44) compared to individuals <35 years old. Married women were more prone to obesity and overweight (OR = 2.42, 95% CI 1.50, 3.91) than single women. In men, the risk of obesity and overweight increased with average family income (OR = 2.62, 95% CI 1.40, 4.87 for family income >= 5000 MAD/month compared to <2000 MAD/month) and in married persons (OR = 3.75, 95% CI 1.78, 7.81) compared to single individuals. Conclusions: These results contribute to target groups in whom prevention programmes could be implemented.