Abstract:
The study revealed that the prevalence of abdominal obesity in the district of Colombo was
34.9 per 100 population ( 95 CI : 32.5-37.4) . Age specific prevalence was higher among
females and was seen to increase progressively with increasing levels of urbanization in all
age groups. Overweight was found to co-exist with abdominal obesity in 31.9 of the study
population. The many correlates of abdominal obesity, age 34 yeas, residence in urban
sectors and currently married status were the significant determinants of abdominal obesity.
In addition, among females, religion was a significant determinant. In males a higher level
of education and monthly household income were key determinant, signifying the
association of abdominal with higher socio-economic status. Consumption patterns of
selected food items and dietary practices were significantly associated with abdominal
obesity. This study clearly demonstrated that waist circumference, is a simple practical tool
that can be used in identifying such risk groups and would be a useful measure to be
included in multiple risk factor surveillance programme
