Associations of lifestyle behaviors with overweight and obesity: a cross-sectional study in Shenzhen, China.

BACKGROUND

The prevalence of overweight and obesity is increasing, which may lead to adverse health-related outcomes and severe economic burdens. Therefore, early attempts to find the intervention targets to reduce its prevalence are important. This study aimed to identify the association of lifestyle behaviors with overweight and obesity in Shenzhen, China.

METHODS

This population-based cross-sectional survey was conducted in Longhua District, Shenzhen. Data on socio-demographic information, lifestyle behaviors, and disease-related characteristics were collected. The body mass index (BMI) value was calculated by using weight in kilograms (kg) divided by the square of height in meters (m2). A BMI value of 24.0-28.0 and ≥28.0 kg/m2 was considered as overweight and obesity, respectively. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to identify the independent associations of lifestyle factors with overweight/obesity. Subgroup and moderation analyses were performed to examine the potential modifying effects of age, sex, marital status, and income level.

RESULTS

A total of 1,429 participants were included in this study. The prevalence of overweight/obesity was 46.5% [95% confidence interval (CI): 43.9-49.1%]. Multivariable analyses showed those who did not consume spicy food daily [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 0.76, 95% CI: 0.59-0.96] and those who napped for 1-30 min per day (aOR = 0.64, 95% CI: 0.46-0.88) were at a lower risk of overweight/obesity. Subgroup analyses showed that the association between daily nap duration and overweight/obesity was moderated by sex and marital status.

CONCLUSION

Almost half of the general adults in Shenzhen were obese or overweight. Daily nap duration and the frequency of spicy food consumption may be served as intervention targets.