Prevalence of Central Obesity among Adult Patients Attending Merjan Medical City, Babylon Province, Iraq

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Family and Community Department, College of Medicine, University of Babylon, Babylon, Iraq

2 Family and Community Medicine Department, College of Medicine, Al-Nahrain University. Baghdad, Iraq

3 College of Medicine, Babylon University, Babylon, Iraqaq

Abstract

Background: Central obesity is linked to metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular diseases, and death that makes it more dangerous than general obesity. Waist circumference (WC) and waist-to-hip ratio are greater health risk predictors when compared to body mass index (BMI) alone, making them essential in diagnosis. Its rising incidence, caused by lifestyle and nutritional changes, highlights the need for early identification and focused therapy. The aim of study was to assess the prevalence of central obesity among adult patients attending Merjan Medical City, Babylon Province in Iraq.
Methods: In a cross-sectional research in Merjan Medical City, Iraq, 153 patients were assessed for BMI and central obesity using World Health Organization (WHO) BMI and WC classifications. Demographic and health data were determined by direct interview. A WC>94 cm for men and >80 cm for women was deemed central obesity.
Results: The study population had a very high prevalence of central obesity (65.4%), which was significantly correlated with older age groups, female gender, chronic conditions, and higher BMI categories (p<0.001 and p=0.0001, respectively). BMI showed a strong association with WC, while 76.4% of the populations were overweight or obese. Metabolic risk factors, age, and male sex increased the likelihood of central obesity.
Conclusion: Central obesity was shown to be common and linked to a higher BMI, feminine gender, older age, and chronic illnesses. Its rising BMI showed the relationship between abdominal fat and obesity. These findings suggest that health risk assessments and focused therapies should include central obesity in the area.

Keywords

References

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International Journal of Nutrition Sciences
Volume 11, Issue 3 - Serial Number 3
September 2026
Pages 427-434

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