Exploring Socioeconomic Factors in Relation to Overweight and Obesity in Nepal: A Demographic Health Survey Analysis
1
Pokhara University, Kaski, Nepal
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):A2863
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION:
Over the past four decades, the global burden of overweight and obesity has tripled, affecting over 1.9 billion adults as overweight and more than 650 million as obese. This trend is expected to continue, with a projected prevalence of 58% by 2030.Using nationally representative health survey data we estimated the prevalence of overweight and obesity among Nepalese population and socioeconomic and household environmental factors associated with these conditions.
METHODS:
This study used Nepal Demographic and Health Survey 2016 and 2022 data. A two-stage cluster sampling was applied in rural areas and three-stage sampling in urban regions. Participants weight and height was measured. BMI was calculated using Asian BMI cut off point. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were employed to analyze associated socioeconomic and household factors. Factor decomposition was calculated to determine key contributors to disparities in obesity. Results and analysis: The prevalence of overweight and obesity in Nepal escalated sharply from 19.6% in 2016 to 27.6% in 2022, marking an 8% increase. Significant associations were found with age, marital status, household size, wealth index, and place of residence (P < 0.001). The 31-45 age group showed the highest odds (OR = 3.51 in 2016; OR = 3.57 in 2022) compared to those aged 15-30. Economic disparities were pronounced, with the wealthiest individuals facing substantially higher risks (OR = 7.31 in 2016; OR = 5.41 in 2022) compared to the poorest. Males and urban residents consistently had higher obesity risks across both survey periods. Decomposition analysis identified wealth (58.3%) and education (21.7%) as the predominant contributors to observed inequalities.
CONCLUSIONS:
The findings underscore the urgent need for a multi-sectoral strategy targeting overweight and obesity. Strengthening non-communicable disease prevention programs, implementing community initiatives, and addressing population migration and economic disparities are crucial for effective prevention, management of overweight and obesity.
Over the past four decades, the global burden of overweight and obesity has tripled, affecting over 1.9 billion adults as overweight and more than 650 million as obese. This trend is expected to continue, with a projected prevalence of 58% by 2030.Using nationally representative health survey data we estimated the prevalence of overweight and obesity among Nepalese population and socioeconomic and household environmental factors associated with these conditions.
METHODS:
This study used Nepal Demographic and Health Survey 2016 and 2022 data. A two-stage cluster sampling was applied in rural areas and three-stage sampling in urban regions. Participants weight and height was measured. BMI was calculated using Asian BMI cut off point. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were employed to analyze associated socioeconomic and household factors. Factor decomposition was calculated to determine key contributors to disparities in obesity. Results and analysis: The prevalence of overweight and obesity in Nepal escalated sharply from 19.6% in 2016 to 27.6% in 2022, marking an 8% increase. Significant associations were found with age, marital status, household size, wealth index, and place of residence (P < 0.001). The 31-45 age group showed the highest odds (OR = 3.51 in 2016; OR = 3.57 in 2022) compared to those aged 15-30. Economic disparities were pronounced, with the wealthiest individuals facing substantially higher risks (OR = 7.31 in 2016; OR = 5.41 in 2022) compared to the poorest. Males and urban residents consistently had higher obesity risks across both survey periods. Decomposition analysis identified wealth (58.3%) and education (21.7%) as the predominant contributors to observed inequalities.
CONCLUSIONS:
The findings underscore the urgent need for a multi-sectoral strategy targeting overweight and obesity. Strengthening non-communicable disease prevention programs, implementing community initiatives, and addressing population migration and economic disparities are crucial for effective prevention, management of overweight and obesity.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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