Analysis of Dietary Habits and their Association with Obesity Among Adults in Nigeria: A cross-sectional study

Background Obesity remains a significant public health burden among adults globally, contributing to a wide range of health issues. This study evaluated the relationship between dietary habits and the risk of obesity among adults in Nigeria. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted in Ekiti state, southwestern Nigeria and a multi-stage stratified cluster approach was used to recruit 1000 adults between the age 18 and above (males = 558; females = 442). The dietary habits were assessed using a self-administered questionnaire. Body mass index (BMI) and waist- hips ratio (WHR) were used to assess general and abdominal obesity respectively, and they were categorized using WHO standard. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the sociodemographic characteristics of the participants. The prevalence ratio between dietary habits and both general and abdominal obesity were calculated using Robust Regression Analysis. Two-sided p -values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results The prevalence of general obesity among adults was 15.9% while abdominal obesity was 31.8. We found a positive relationship between: alcohol intake and general obesity (Model 1: PR = 0.690, 95%CI:1.482 ~ 1.988); abdominal obesity in male (model 1: PR = 1.405, 95%CI: 0.970 ~ 1.757) and female (Model 1: PR: 1.432, 95%CI: 0.965 ~ 1.839; Model 2: PR: 1.327, 95%CI: 1.087 ~ 1.525). A positive association was observed between obesity and largest portion of meal timing. Compared to those that consumed their largest portion of meal during breakfast, adults that consumed their largest portion of meal during dinner had a higher risk of general obesity (Model 1: PR = 1.050, 95%CI: 0.704 ~ 1.564; Model 2: PR = 1.010, 95%CI: 0.679 ~ 1.501), and abdominal obesity in males (Model 1: PR = 1.405, 95%CI: 0.970 ~ 1.757) and females (Model 1: PR = 1.432, 0.965 ~ 1.839; Model 2: PR = 1.327, 1.087 ~ 1.525). Conclusion Our findings reveal an association between alcohol consumption, the timing of the largest meal and obesity. These findings may fill in knowledge and initiate a public health intervention for countries with a high burden of obesity.