Activity pattern, energy intake and obesity among Nigerian urban market women

Activity pattern, energy intake and body mass index (BMI) were studied in a group of 232 women aged 19-65 years. The subjects were selected from five major markets in Abeokuta Township using a systematic random sampling technique. With the aid of a structured questionnaire and 24-h diet recall, information was collected on socio-demographic characteristics and the food and nutrient intake of the subjects. Information on the activity pattern was collected by recall and random spot observation methods. The result indicated that the majority (61%) of the respondents spent a total of 16 h on both domestic and market activities. An average of 11.5 h was spent in the market on predominantly sedentary activities. The mean energy intake of the women was 3701 kcal (15.4 MJ), which constituted about 164% of the recommended dietary allowance. Roots and tubers, cereals and legume form the major source of nutrients; while fried foods featured prominently in the menu. Eighty-nine women (38.4%) have a BMI within the healthy range of 18.5-25, while a total of 136, representing 58.6%, have a BMI greater than 25. A total of 66 women, representing 48.5% of the 136 women whose BMI was above 25, have a BMI in excess of 30 and are classified as obese. Both the energy intake and activity pattern of the respondents correlated positively with the BMI. This study has established a high risk of obesity among urban market women in Nigeria.