67th Myanmar Medical Conference JOB OPPORTUNITIES

Overweight and Its Associated Factors among Rural Adults in Kedah, Malaysia: A Cross-sectional Study

Perymee A/P Arumugam1, Win Myint Oo2*, Kevin Fernandez2, Tin Soe3, Kyaw Swa4

Published in Volume 68, No. 2, 2026 April – June issue

https://doi.org/10.64455/xmma0024

 

Abstract

Introduction: Overweight and obesity are major global health issues and leading risk factors for cardiovascular diseases including hypertension. Rural communities are no exceptions.

 

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among adults in a randomly selected Kampung in Kedah, Malaysia during October 2024 to determine the prevalence of overweight and the factors associated with it.

 

Results: A total of 72 adults were randomly recruited for this study. The prevalence of overweight and hypertension in the study population was 70.8% (95% CI: 58.9%, 80.9%) and 51.4% (95% CI: 39.9%, 62.9%), respectively. Although the differences were not statistically significant in univariate analysis, the prevalence of overweight was higher among the younger age group (19-39 years) and males, compared to their counterparts. Based on multiple logistic regression analysis, age and the presence of hypertension were significantly associated with overweight.

 

Conclusion: The prevalence of overweight and hypertension in the rural community is high. The age of the respondent and the presence of hypertension has a significant association with overweight. Dissemination of health knowledge on overweight and its association with hypertension among rural communities should be intensified, especially among young adults and males. The adoption of an active lifestyle and the implementation or strengthening of weight reduction programs should be prioritized to control overweight and hypertension among rural adults.

 

Keywords: Hypertension, Kedah, Malaysia, Obesity, Overweight

  1. Faculty of Medicine, AIMST University, Bedong, Kedah, Malaysia
  2. Unit of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, AIMST University, Bedong, Kedah, Malaysia
  3.  Unit of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, AIMST University, Bedong, Kedah, Malaysia
  4. Unit of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, AIMST University, Bedong, Kedah, Malaysia

 

Corresponding author: [email protected], [email protected]

Win Myint Oo

Associate Professor, Unit of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, AIMST University,

Bedong, Kedah, Malaysia

 

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6769-2633

Researcher ID: P-5923-2015

Scopus Author ID: 57190223287