Metabolic and Lifestyle Characteristics of Abdominal Obesity in Urban Areas of Togo

Abstract

In Togo, overweight and obesity represent a major public health challenge. This study aimed to identify factors associated with abdominal obesity to design relevant preventive approaches for the Togolese population. It was a cross-sectional study among 834 adult’s representatives of urban regions. The Cochran formula determined the sample size. WHO criteria defined obesity, and IDF criteria (waist circumference >80 cm for women, >94 cm for men) defined abdominal obesity (AO). Participants were black Africans aged 15-59 years from multiple localities. The link between metabolic syndrome parameters, types of obesity, and AO was evaluated by adjusted Odds Ratio test. Among 834 participants, IDF-defined abdominal obesity affected 9.1% (n=34; 95% CI: 6-12.0%) of men and 53.9% (n=247; 95% CI: 49-59) of women. Among obese subjects (n=180), AO prevalence reached 78.3% (n=124/157; 95% CI: 71.1-84.6) in women and 68.2% (n=15/23; 95% CI: 45.1-86.1) in men (p<0.001). Abdominal obesity was strongly associated with hypertension in men (OR=12.00; 95% CI: 1.15-159.55; p=0.010). Type I obesity predominated (56.67%), with metabolic parameters worsening with severity; systolic blood pressure and triglycerides rose progressively from type I to III. This study provides essential data on general and abdominal obesity prevalence in Togo and highlights the importance of a sex-differentiated approach in prevention and management to optimize clinical outcomes and improve population cardiovascular health.