Risk of obesity among female school teachers and its associated health problems

Abstract

Obesity is considered to be a major health problem throughout the world. Factors contributing to obesity include increased intake of calorie dense foods and physical inactivity. Teachers represent one of the most important, large and growing sector of workforce in many countries. The objective of the present study was to determine risk of obesity among female school teachers along with various factors and health problems associated with it. A descriptive cum cross-sectional survey was conducted among 500 female school teachers. Anthropometric measurements such as height, body weight and waist circumference were measured. BMI was calculated and blood pressure was recorded. Results indicated that 43.2% of the teachers had Grade I obesity, 20.4% had Grade II obesity and 6.6% had Grade III obesity thereby indicating obesity as a significant health problem among teachers. Factors such as age, waist circumference, intake of junk foods, physical inactivity and BMI were significantly associated with obesity. In addition, obesity was associated with health issues such as hypertension and arthritis. The study therefore recommends the need to promote healthy lifestyle for school teachers that can be achieved through appropriate health education and interventional measures.