Obesity and lifestyle in Jamaica

Abstract We surveyed the prevalence of obesity in the general population in Jamaica, and examined the relationship between it and lifestyle. The survey population consisted of 1935 inhabitants, whose body weight, marital status, educational history, and other obesity-associated lifestyle factors were surveyed. Six major findings emerged. The first finding is that the proportion of obesity in women was very high, and there was a big gender difference. Secondly, a lower prevalence towards obesity was associated with cohabitation of the subjects in both genders, and higher educational levels in female subjects. Thirdly, the proportion of the subjects who considered their weight to be quite acceptable was higher in the obese/overweight groups in both genders, although they felt physically unfit. Fourthly, exercise frequency showed a negative correlation with the body mass index (BMI) in men but not in women, and the frequency of exercising was apparently lower in women than in men. Fifthly, as for dietary factors, in both genders, vegetables showed a negative correlation with the BMI. Finally, non-smokers were also associated with a lower obesity prevalence in men. These findings suggest that social and lifestyle factors such as the educational level, marital status and dietary habits of the general population influence Jamaican obesity.