Risk Factors for Overweight and Obesity Among Women of Reproductive Age in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania

Abstract Background: Overweight and obesity have increased considerably in low- and middle-income countries over the past few decades, particularly among women of reproductive age. This study assessed the role of physical activity and nutrient intake in overweight and obesity among women in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey among 1,004 women aged 15 - 49 years in the Dar es Salaam Urban Cohort Study (DUCS) from September 2018. Dietary intake was assessed using a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Physical activity was assessed using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ) using metabolic equivalent tasks (MET). Modified poison regression models were used to evaluate associations between physical activity and nutrient intake with overweight/obesity in women, controlling for energy and other factors.Results: The mean (±SD) age of study women was 30.2 (±8.1) years. Prevalence of overweight and obesity was high (50.4%), and underweight was 8.6%. Risk of overweight/obesity was higher among older women (35 – 49 vs. 15 – 24 years: PR 1.59; 95% CI: 1.30 – 1.95); women of higher wealth status (PR 1.24; 95% CI: 1.07–1.43); and informally employed and married women. Attaining moderate to high physical activity (≥600 MET) was inversely associated with overweight/obesity (PR 0.79; 95% CI: 0.63 – 0.99). Dietary sugar intake (PR 1.27; 95% CI: 1.03 – 1.58) was associated with increased risk, and fish and poultry consumption (PR 0.78; 95% CI: 0.61 – 0.99) with lower risk of overweight/obesity.Conclusion: Lifestyle (low physical activity and high sugar intake), and socio-demographic (age, wealth status, informal employment and married status) factors were associated with increased risk, and, fish/poultry consumption with lower risk of overweight/obesity. Given its potential for increasing diet-related chronic diseases and poor maternal and child nutrition outcomes, overweight/obesity among Tanzanian women should be addressed through feasible, and effective physical activity and dietary interventions.