OBESITY AND IT'S IMPLICATIONS AMONG ADULTS

1.1 Introduction

Obesity is a chronic disease that affects both developed and developing countries, and it affects both children and adults. Obesity is now so common that it is displacing more traditional public health concerns, such as malnutrition (Park 2004). Psychological consequences of obesity range from lowered self-esteem to clinical depression. Many of these conditions are revisable through weight loss and maintenance. Weight reduction may be life saving so it is necessary to reduce weight. It is now a worldwide phenomenon. It is extremely difficult to assess the size of the problem and compare prevalence rates across countries because no exact figures are available, and definitions of obesity are not standardized. However, it is estimated that 10 to 20% of children and adolescents in developed countries are affected (Stone, & Saxon, 2005).

As a prelude to other parts of this study, this chapter will discuss the background upon which this study was initiated, the statement of problems that led to this study, the Aim and Objectives of the study. Others are Significance of the study, Scope of work, Research hypothesis and questions, Limitations of the Study and Definition of technical terms.

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1.2 Background of Study

The emerging trends in the factors influencing overweight and obesity among rural adults are definite health risks that necessitate definite studies and data for intervention planning. In affluent societies, obesity is the most common nutritional disorder. Obesity is a condition characterized by an abnormally excessive level of body fat (Edinburgh 1995). It is defined as abnormal adipose tissue growth caused by fat cell enlargement (hypertrophic obesity) or an increase in the number of fat cells (hyperplastic obesity) or a combination of the two (Park 2004). Excess fat accumulates as a result of an imbalance in energy intake and expenditure. Obesity's importance cannot be overstated because it is linked to increased morbidity and mortality. It predisposes to the development of serious diseases and reduces the efficiency and happiness of those who suffer from it. Obesity has reached epidemic proportions in the United States.

Over two-thirds of adults are overweight or obese, and one in three Americans is obese. The prevalence of obesity in children has increased markedly. Obesity has also been increasing rapidly throughout the world, and the incidence of obesity nearly doubled from 1991 to 1998. In 2015, nearly 40% of adults were obese in the U.S. Although children and adults have the same BMI number, the criteria used to interpret the meaning of the BMI number for children and teens differ from those used for adults. BMI age and gender percentiles are used.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has published tables to help determine this in children. Overweight (but not obese) is defined as a BMI between the overweight and obesity cut-off values, whereas obese is defined as a BMI greater than the obesity cut-off value (CDC, 2021). The BMI for normal weight is lower than the overweight cut-off value (Stone & Saxon, 2005). Obesity is an undesirable outcome of changing of lifestyle and behaviors. The prevalence of obesity and overweight is increasing in many developing countries (Erem et al., 2004; Swinburn et al., (2002), especially in Iran population (Hajian-Tilaki et al., 2007).

According to studies, overweight people are more likely to become diseased. Obesity during adolescence has been linked to an increase in adulthood mortality rates. Obese people are frequently subjected to teasing, harassment, and ridicule at school. They may also face harassment, discrimination, and name-calling from family members and neighbors at home. These can result in anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, frustration, and even withdrawal.

According to a study, obesity is on the rise, and physical inactivity, disordered eating perceptions, and disordered behaviors are linked to higher rates of overweight and obesity. Obese people have carotid arteries that have aged prematurely by up to thirty years, according to a 2008 study, as well as abnormal cholesterol levels. A 15-year-old obese child has the carotid artery of a 45-year-old. According to World Health Organization projections, non-communicable diseases will account for roughly three-quarters of all deaths in the developing world by 2020 (Katz, 2007), and adolescent obesity is likely to be a major risk factor in this.

Therefore, in Taraba State where the research was carried out, the activities that was conducted is to know the Obesity and it's Implications among Adults in Marraraba Metropolis Local Government Area.

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1.3 Statement of Problems

Investigation revealed that obesity is a health hazard and a detriment to one's well-being, as evidenced by increased morbidity and mortality (Park 2004). It plays an important role in the natural history of other chronic and non-communicable diseases. Obesity is now recognized as a serious public health concern due to its rising prevalence and numerous negative health consequences (Kosen, 2018).

Chronic disease incidence is rising much faster in developing countries than in developed countries. There is compelling evidence that childhood obesity is becoming more prevalent in low- and middle-income countries. In many developing countries, malnutrition and obesity coexist (Katz, 2007).

Obesity has numerous health consequences. The first issues that arise in these obese children are usually emotional or psychological in nature. Obesity often leads to serious conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, sleep problems, and cancer. Other disorders include liver disease, menarche or early puberty, eating disorders such as anorexia, skin infections, asthma, and other respiratory problems (Mayoclinic 2009).

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1.4 Aim and Objectives of Study

The aim of the study is to assess the Implications of Obesity among Adults residing at Urban and Rural Areas using Marraraba Metropolis Local Government Area of Taraba State as a case study. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out as follows:

1. To identify the health risk factors associated with overweight and obesity among adults in the area under study;
2. To examine the level of obesity prevalence among adults in the area under study;
3. To identify the factors that influence overweight and obesity among adults in the area under study; and
4. To suggest ways to prevent obesity among adults in the area under study.

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1.5 Research Questions

The study came up with research questions so as to be able to ascertain the above stated objectives. The specific research questions for the study are stated below as follows:

• What is the level of obesity prevalence among adults in the area under study?
• What are the factors that influence overweight and obesity among adults in the area under study?
• What are the health risk factors associated with overweight and obesity among adults in the area under study?
• What ways can be used to prevent obesity among adults in the area under study?

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1.6 Research Hypothesis

In order to pursue the objective of this study, the following generalized statements have been designed to guide and aids in obtaining the result for the experiment to be conducted. For this work, the null hypothesis will be represented with H0 while the alternative hypothesis will be represented with hypothesis H1.

Hypothesis One

• H0: There is no significant level of obesity prevalence among adults in the area under study
• H1: There is significant level of obesity prevalence among adults in the area under study

Hypothesis Two

• H0: There are no significant factors that influence overweight and obesity among adults in the area under study
• H1: There are significant factors that influence overweight and obesity among adults in the area under study

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1.7 Significance of Study

This research will equip stakeholders to make policies that will recognize and address the emerging challenges of obesity in Nigeria in general during this period of Health Sector Reform. Seminars with evidence of this research data could be organized in the area under study, for students and parents to initiate and stir up voluntary preventive health measures for themselves against obesity.

This study will be of immense benefit to other researchers who intend to know more on this study and can also be used by non-researchers to build more on their research work. This study contributes to knowledge and could serve as a guide for other study.

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1.8 Scope of Study

The scope of the research is focused on the Obesity and it's Implications among Adults using Marraraba Metropolis Local Government Area of Taraba State as a case study.

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1.9 Limitations of the Study

During the course of this study, many things militated against its completion, some of which are:

1. Time Constraint: The time frame given to accomplish this project was very short due to school academic calendar and it was carried out under pressure which made the researcher not to implement some necessary features.
2. Research material: availability of research material is a major setback to the scope of the study.
3. Frequent power failure: This made the researcher append more money on fuel to ensure sustainable power.
4. Financial Constraint: Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview).

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1.10 Definition of Terms

Obesity: Obesity is a complex disease involving an excessive amount of body fat. Obesity isn't just a cosmetic concern. It is a medical problem that increases risk of other diseases and health problems, such as heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and certain cancers.

Implications: the conclusion that can be drawn from something although it is not explicitly stated.