Journal
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
Volume 19, Issue 3, Pages -Publisher
MDPI
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19031076
Keywords
obesity; BMI; Libya; eating habits; eating behavior; food portion sizes; skipping breakfast
Funding
- Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Libya, and the Institute for Health Research (IHR) at the University of Bedfordshire, UK
- PhD Thesis conducted by Hamdi Lemamsha, the University of Bedfordshire
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This study investigated the associations between obesity among Libyan adults and unhealthy eating habits. It found a significant association between obesity and specific unhealthy eating habits for both Libyan men and women, providing insights for researchers, clinicians, policymakers, and government officials in Libya to take action in preventing and controlling the obesity epidemic.
Background: Although an increasing number of studies have reported on nutrition transition and unhealthy eating habits (UEHs) worldwide, there is a paucity of studies on UEHs in the Arab region, particularly in Libya. Aim: This study investigated the associations between obesity among Libyan adults and UEHs. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted at the five major districts in Benghazi, Libya. A multistage cluster sampling strategy was implemented to choose and recruit Libyan adults. Anthropometric measurements were gathered by highly qualified nurses, using the Segmental Body Composition Monitor and a portable Stadiometer. The study used and adapted the two Self-administered questionnaires: the WHO STEPS Instrument and eating behaviors linked with obesity questionnaire. Results: Among a total of 401 participants who were successfully recruited in this study, 253 (63%) were female (aged 20-65 years), the response rate achieved was 78%. The prevalence of obesity amongst Libyan adults was estimated to be 42.4%. The results revealed the presence of a significant association between obesity (BMI >= 30 kg/m(2)) and five UEHs for Libyan men and six UEHs for Libyan women. For Libyan men, an association was found between obesity and the following five explanatory factors: fast food intake in a day and a week, which were (OR: 2.52, 95% CI: 4.04-12.32) and (OR: 4.65, 95% CI: 1.04-9.46), respectively; large food portion sizes consumed at one sitting (OR: 19.54, 95% CI: 1.41-27.74); a high frequency of skipping breakfast either in a typical day or a week, which were (OR: 0.02, 95% CI: 0.01-0.77) and (OR: 0.03, 95% CI: 0.01-0.24), respectively. For Libyan women, a significant association was found between obesity and the following six explanatory factors: fast food intake in a day and a week, which were (OR: 2.14, 95% CI: 3.32-11.12) and (OR: 5.5, 95% CI: 1.88-16.11), respectively; intake of sugar-sweetened beverages in a typical week (OR: 4.02, 95% CI: 1.35-11.99); and large food portion sizes consumed at one sitting at one sitting (OR: 3.40, 95% CI: 1.18-9.84); and a high frequency of skipping breakfast either in a typical day or a week, which were (OR: 0.11, 95% CI: 0.03-0.43) and (OR: 0.12, 95% CI: 0.08-0.63), respectively. Conclusions: The findings of the study reveal areas of action for Libyan researchers, clinicians, policymakers, and government officials about UEHs in the Libyan context. This could inform establishing and developing new interventions for preventing and controlling the obesity epidemic through food system improvements.
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