ASSESSMENT OF OBESITY AND OVERWEIGHT AMONG WOMEN TRADERS AGED 20-50 YEARS IN ELDORET MUNICIPAL MARKETS, KENYA

Abstract

Overweight (BMI 25-29) and obesity (BMI ≥30) is a global epidemic. Increase in non-communicable diseases is a major cause of death globally that is linked to nutritional imbalances like overweight and obesity. The main objective of this study was to assess overweight and obesity conditions among women traders aged 20-50 years at Eldoret Municipal markets, Kenya. The women's anatomy, physiology and metabolism, diet and sedentary lifestyle plays significant roles in predisposing them to overweight and obesity which increases in a cross sectional manner as people age. This was a cross sectional descriptive survey. The significance of this study is to bring into focus the magnitude of overweight and obesity and be a benchmark for implementation of strategies to mitigate the risks associated with the two conditions not only among women, but the society at large. To sample the 238 women traders, stratified random sampling was used followed by systematic sampling whereby the 3rd woman aged 20-50 years in each stratum was selected. Proportionate sampling was used to identify the number of participants per market because all the four markets differ in size. Data on demographic information, their physical activity patterns and feeding habits and dietary choices as well as anthropometric measurements was collected from 238 registered female traders aged 20-50 years from the Eldoret Municipal markets. Body Mass Index (BMI) was used to assess overweight and obesity. Data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software (Version 26). Descriptive statistics was used to describe the data. The risk of overweight (24%) and obesity (37%) among the women traders was 61%, parity was high for 3-5 children (47%), and level of education was high for primary education at (48%). It was concluded that the overweight and obesity among women traders (61%) hence the need to address nutritional needs, promoting healthy dietary practices, encouraging physical activity and enhancement of knowledge and awareness of overweight and obesity.