Prevalence and Relative Factors of Overweight and Obesity in People Aged 35 and Elder in Some Area of Hubei Province

Objective: To determine the prevalence and relative factors associated with overweight and obesity in people aged 35 and elder in some area of Hubei province.Methods: A prevalence study using questionnaire survey was conducted about relative factors associated with overweight and obesity among 2 811 residents aged 35 and elder in 12 counties of Hubei province.Results: The age-adjusted prevalence rates of overweight and obesity were 36.6% and 9.8% respectively. There were lower rates among farmers, illiteracy or people with low income while higher rates among officials, people with higher education level or higher income. Certain eating habits, especially the intake of sweet was one of relative factors, heavy occupational physical activities and physical exercises were protective factors. The incidences of chronic diseases among the people of overweight and obesity were obviously higher than that among normal people.Conclusion: Intervention strategies that target overweight and obesity are needed in Hubei province. Physical activities and physical exercises were important preventable factors.