Obesity among different Socioeconomic Strata in Karachi – A Hospital Case study

Abstract

Background: Obesity is a chronic disease which requires aggressive management. Obesity, although not a direct cause of most diseases, unfavorably alters the risk factor profile. It may lead to high blood pressures and high cholesterol levels, which can result in cardiovascular diseases or strokes. In addition to these diseases, the quality of life is also severely impaired. Successful treatment of obesity not only alleviates the associated medical problems, but also improves the quality of life dramatically. Objectives: To observe and compare obesity, its perception and complications among different socioeconomic classes in Karachi. Methods: A predesigned questionnaire was filled out at two hospitals of Karachi for a sample representing patients from lower and higher socioeconomic strata. BMI of these patients was calculated and assessed with respect to their income, education level and occupation, eating patterns, frequency of exercise. The presence of associated non-communicable diseases like hypertension and diabetes mellitus was also recorded. Data was analyzed using SPSS software. Results: The patients· population comprised 31 males and 19 females. The mean age was 45.56 (SD + 12.08). Minimum age was 15 years, while maximum was 75 years. Pathological analysis revealed that majority of SCC cases were moderately differentiated, SCC with clinical stage T2 or T3, N0,M0/N1,M0. Most common oral sites came out to be buccal mucosa of cheeks followed by lateral borders of tongue and lips. All patients underwent primary resection ± neck dissection and reconstruction when necessary. Conclusion: Obesity was observed in all classes irrespective of the education, income and occupation of the respondents with sedentary lifestyle being the main causal factor. There exists lack of awareness of the harmful consequences of obesity KEY WORDS: BMI, Obesity, Morbid Obesity.