Work

Burden and factors associated with body fat and visceral obesity among adults attending referral hospitals in Douala, Cameroon

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Background There is a scarcity of studies on the utilization of bioimpedance analysis (BIA) to estimate abdominal obesity epidemiology, especially in African areas such as Cameroon. We analyzed the prevalence and determinants of BIA-based adipose obesity during the COVID-19 pandemic in Cameroonian individuals. Methods A one-year study was conducted at seven referral health facilities in the town of Douala, Cameroon. Demographic, anthropometric, and clinical data were obtained from each participant. Body composition of participants was appraised using body mass index (BMI), body fat (BF), and visceral fat (VF). Results The adipose obesity was evaluated using BF and VF. The overall prevalence of obesity was 27.1%, 46.2%, and 28.8% using BMI, BF, and VF, respectively. Discrepancies were noted between BMI, BF, and VF for identifying obese people. The strongest risk factors of BF-related obesity were BMI ≥ 30 Kg.m − 2 (aOR = 25.32, p < 0.0001) and university level (aOR = 3.97, p = 0.02), while being male (aOR = 4.68, p < 0.0001), advanced age (aOR = 2.01 to 3.25, p < 0.05), university level (aOR = 4.14, p = 0.04), and BMI ≥ 30 Kg.m − 2 (aOR = 4.38, p < 0.0001) were the strongest risk factors for high VF levels. Conclusions This study outlined a high burden of adipose obesity and the need to implement preventive strategies to reduce its burden and complications in Douala.

Source: BMC Research Notes

DOI: 10.1186/s13104-026-08014-y