Assessment of Prevalence of Obesity among Newly Diagnosed Type 2 Diabetic Patients in Diabetic Out Patient Clinic, of University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Ituku/Ozalla, Enugu State, Nigeria

Abstract

Introduction: Assessment of prevalence of obesity among newly diagnosed type 2 diabetic patients in diabetic outpatient clinic, UNTH, Ituku/Ozalla was carried out. This research aimed to ascertain the impact of obesity in the development of diabetes mellitus and to know the prevalence of obesity in both gender.Methodology: The study was conducted in Wednesday Diabetic out-patient clinic University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital Ituku/Ozalla. A total number of 211 patients were used: 102 males and 109 females. The patients were all adults. Data was collected using anthropometric measurement ranging from weight and height measurement, waist and hip circumference. BMI and waist-hip ratio calculated from the variables were used to assess whether the patients were obese, overweight, normal or underweight. Data was analyzed as percentage, Z score statistics was used to analyze to help ascertain if there is difference in prevalence of obesity in male and female.Result: The results showed that higher percentage of the patients were either obese or overweight (56.4% and 58.29%) using BMI and waist-hip ratio respectively. Female type 2 diabetes were seen to be more obese or overweight 67.82% and 82.57% when compared to their male counterpart 43.1% and 32.35% using BMI and waist-hip ratio. The reasons may be due to the following: pregnancy, menopause, sedentary life style, less activity, use of contraceptives and dietary habits. Conclusion: However from the study, it is now evident that obesity is diabetogenic revealing the importance of maintaining normal weight and also weight reduction if overweight/obese. These could be achieved by public education about obesity and its complications, incorporating obesity and diabetes education in the school curriculum, enlightening the public on this issue through mass media.

Keywords: Assessment, Prevalence, Obesity, Newly–Diagnosed, Type-2-Diabetic-Patients,