Risk Factors for Obesity and Sedentary Lifestyle in Adults in Tripoli, Libya: A Cross-Sectional Study
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.54361/LJMR.20.2.66Keywords:
Obesity, overweight, sedentary lifestyle, physical inactivity, dietary habits, Tripoli, Libya, cross-sectional studyAbstract
Background: Obesity emerged as a global public health crisis, with the Middle East and North Africa region experiencing particularly rapid increases in prevalence driven by urbanization and the nutrition transition. Libya, especially its capital Tripoli, faced escalating rates of overweight and obesity; however, contemporary local data on specific risk factors remained limited. This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the prevalence of overweight and obesity among adults in Tripoli and to identify associated risk factors, including dietary habits, physical inactivity, and sedentary behavior. Methods The study included 200 adult residents (aged ≥18 years) recruited during February 2026. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire covering demographic characteristics, anthropometric measurements, physical activity levels, dietary habits, and lifestyle factors. BMI was classified according to WHO standards, and statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 26. The mean BMI was 27.9 ± 5.2 kg/m². Results: The combined prevalence of overweight (38.0%) and obesity (34.0%) reached 72%, with only 26% having normal weight. Males showed higher obesity rates (41.7%) than females (29.7%). Notably, 60.5% did not engage in regular exercise, 27% sat for more than 9 hours daily, and 78% did not walk for 30 minutes daily. Regarding dietary habits, 43.5% consumed fast food 3–4 times per week, 72.5% drank sugary beverages daily, and 52.5% consumed only 1–2 servings of fruits and vegetables daily. Conclusion: This confirmed a critical public health crisis in Tripoli, with nearly three-quarters of adults being overweight or obese. High fast food consumption, daily sugary drink intake, and pervasive physical inactivity were identified as the primary drivers, necessitating urgent policy measures, urban infrastructure improvements, and community-based programs to mitigate this escalating epidemic.
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