Modifiable factors affecting abdominal obesity in relation to physical activity in the population of the eastern region of Kazakhstan

Abstract

The rising prevalence of obesity and overweight individuals globally necessitates further research into measures to combat and prevent this pathology, especially as it relates to abdominal obesity, known to cause severe complications and premature death. The objective of this study is to assess predictors of abdominal obesity in the adult population of the Republic of Kazakhstan at varying levels of physical activity per week. Materials and Methods. The present study was executed on medical institutions in Semey city, Republic of Kazakhstan, spanning from 1st March to 31st May 2023. The research project consisted of 272 participants, with a mean age of 35.4 (±11.1) years. In the group of observed respondents, a majority of 69.5% were females. The body length and weight were measured using standardized protocols, and the body mass index (BMI) was computed from these measurements. Patients with a waist circumference of 120.0 cm and above in men and 88.0 cm and above in women were classified as abdominally obese. Abbreviations for technical terms were explained upon first use. All participants were divided into groups based on meeting or exceeding the global physical activity recommendations of 150 minutes per week or having less than 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week. The respondents also answered questions about their dietary habits and sedentary lifestyle. Research Findings. The research found gender disparities in the prevalence of general and abdominal obesity among the respondents surveyed. Men have a higher incidence of abdominal obesity compared to women. A substantial proportion of both men and women reported low weekly physical activity levels and a sedentary lifestyle. The study identified food habits that could potentially contribute to the development of abdominal obesity. Conclusions. The research project data supplements the existing knowledge on obesity in the field. It can aid specialists in physical education and medicine in rectifying eating habits, physical activity and lifestyles of adults.