High prevalence of obesity in Tokat, a northern province of Turkey.

Objective: To determine the prevalence of overweight and obesity in the Tokat Region with demographic, socioeconomic and medical factors in the adult population.

Methods: A sample was selected from the province of Tokat. A total of 5162 participants over 18 years (1885 women and 3277 men) were included in the study. Demographic factors, family history of selected medical conditions, and lifestyle factors were obtained and blood pressure levels were measured for all participants. Obesity was defined as BMI > or = 30 kg/m2 and overweight as BMI between 25.0 to 29.9 kg/m2.

Results: The study demonstrated that the prevalence of overweight was 27.6% in men, 34.2% in women and 30% for overall. Obesity was prevalent in 33.6% men, 22.3% women, and 29.5% overall. The prevalence of obesity increased with age. Age, gender, educational level, marital status, hypertension, family histories of selected medical conditions were independently associated with obesity. Prevalence of hypertension increased with the degree of obesity. Results were in accordance with recent Turkish population-based obesity studies.

Conclusion: The data obtained showed that obesity prevalence was high in the study area. Primary prevention through lifestyle modifications may have a critical role in the control of obesity.