OVERWEIGHT AND OBESITY: YOUNG POPULATION CONCERNS IN THE LEBANESE COMMUNITY

Fouad Sakr*, Mariam Dabbous, Jihan Safwan, Marwan Akel and Michelle Cherfan

ABSTRACT

Background: Surveys have demonstrated a marked increase in obesity in both men and women across all age and ethnic groups. In fact, there is an increasing concern about overweight and obesity in young people. The purpose of this study is to assess body weight concerns in Lebanese young population. Methods: This prospective study was conducted in the Lebanese community. Males and females aged 16 to 32 years were asked to fill a survey. The primary outcome measures were assessment of young Lebanese people who are really overweight, obese, or morbidly obese, based on their BMI; and the percentage of those people who think themselves to be so. Secondary outcomes included evaluation of the opinion of the study population toward losing weight and ways to lose this weight. Results: The major population studied has a normal body weight (64.5%). Similarly, most of the participants considered themselves to have a normal body weight (54.75%). Despite these results, only 33.2% of participants were satisfied with their weight, where 56.8% were having intentions to lose weight, versus 10% were willing to gain weight. Finally, only 30% of participants considered that a balanced diet is the ultimate way to lose weight, versus 40% for physical exercise, whereas, 30% have considered other options. Conclusion: More than half of the young Lebanese people have a good body weight; yet, the majority of them are not satisfied with their weight.

Keywords: Overweight, Obesity, Young population, Body weight.