Perception, risk factors, and health behaviours in adult obesity in Kolkata, India: a mixed methods approach

Abstract

Background: World Health Organisation has described obesity as one of the most neglected public health issues. Initially, obesity was only a problem in high-income countries; however, at present, it is rising in middle and low-income countries as well, rapidly in India, especially in the urban areas. In the light of the increasing prevalence of obesity in India, it was worthwhile to study perception, risk factors and health behaviours in adult obesity holistically. Methods: This study resorted to a concurrent mixed methods approach, collecting and combining quantitative survey (n = 120) and qualitative interview data (n = 18). Female and male aged 25–54 years with a waist circumference of 80 cm and 90 cm or higher, respectively, and a BMI of 25 or higher were selected from Kolkata, India. Kolkata was chosen as the study area since it ranked 7th out of 640 districts, the highest among the five major urban cities in India, with around 41% of the female and 43% of the male population aged 15–49 years with a BMI of 25 or higher. Results: Participants confirmed that lifestyle was one of the main reasons for obesity. They believed that family history, social relations, behavioural factors, urbanisation, and time-poor were significant risk factors of obesity. Interview participants expanded that technology, lack of health education and self-care, and digital marketing of food influenced the risk of obesity. Participants confirmed that they wanted to lose weight to feel healthier. Most respondents claimed that they engaged in lightly to moderate-intensity physical activity. However, a discrepancy in opinion was observed between survey responses and interview participants’ views on dietary behaviours. Participants confirmed that they rarely consulted health professionals and that the family had a minimal role in preventing obesity. Interview participants expanded that people should make better lifestyle choices at an individual level to prevent obesity. Conclusions: Health education is fundamental. Making better lifestyle choices is crucial, which would help increase the lifespan and health span and decrease the risk of diseases. In addition, social support and better policies are required to prevent the disease and any related complications.