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Introduction: Physical inactivity is the fourth leading risk factor for mortality and morbidity as per the World Health Organisation (WHO). The current study was conducted in the city of Erode, Tamil Nadu, South India, to estimate the prevalence and predictors of low physical activity (LPA) and assess their knowledge with regards to being overweight/obesity. Methods: It was a cross‑sectional study conducted over 24 months from July 2015 to June 2017. Multi‑stage random sampling was done in 12 randomly chosen corporation wards. All consenting individuals above 18 years of age were included. Data were collected using a semi‑structured questionnaire incorporating the validated International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Results: For the study, 489 individuals were screened and 461 were included. Prevalence of LPA was 49.9% (95% confidence interval [CI]:45.34%, 54.46%). The significant predictors (adjusted odds ratio [OR] [95% CI]) of LPA were patient education 1.129 (1.006, 1.2670); unemployment (2.418 [1.610, 3.631]) and knowledge score (5.172 [1.314, 9.423] 27). In the knowledge assessment, 60.3% of the participants scored less than 50%. The significant predictors of poor knowledge were marital status (unmarried) (3.857 [1.341, 11.091]), lower educational status (1.191 [1.009, 1.362]) and low socioeconomic status (SES) (1.050 [1.005, 1.121]). Conclusion: Prevalence of LPA in our population is fairly high and there is gross knowledge inadequacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An understudied risk factor for overweight/obesity in our population is distorted body image perception where studies from the west have proved a clear association between the two. We therefore aimed to evaluate the same and document the prevalence of overweight/obesity among rehabilitated slum dwellers. Materials and Methods: It was a cross-sectional study conducted during February 2015. The participants were recruited from among permanent residents of Tamil Nadu Slum Clearance Board residential apartment blocks. Systematic random sampling followed by cluster sampling was done. All consenting individuals above 18 years of age were included. Pregnant women, bed-ridden patients, and those who had an acute illness in the last 2 weeks were excluded. Data were collected using a semi-structured standardized pilot-tested questionnaire which included Stunkard's figure rating scale. Results: Number of families included was 170 comprising 315 individuals. Prevalence of overweight was 36.5% and prevalence of obesity was 12.4%. Prevalence of body image dissatisfaction was 68.3% (women 68.9% and men 67%), and prevalence of body image distortion was 59% (women 57.5% and men 62.1%). Distorted body image (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]; 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 1.927; 1.057, 3.514) and underestimating body image size (aOR; 95% CI: 8.001; 4.223, 15.159) were highly significant predictors of obesity as estimated by logistic regression. Conclusion: Although majority of population belonged to daily wage laborer workforce, prevalence of overweight is high. Distorted ideal and current body image perception is also significantly high and is a definite risk factor for obesity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Obesity is defined by World Health Organization (WHO) as excessive fat accumulation that presents a risk to health. Body Mass Index (BMI) ≥25 kg/m2 is considered as overweight whereas BMI ≥30 kg/m2 is obesity. An understudied risk factor for overweight/obesity in our population is distorted body image perception where studies from the west have proved a clear association between the two. Objectives: The study was performed to assess the prevalence of overweight/obesity among rehabilitated slum dwellers in a south Indian city and to evaluate if altered perception of ideal and current body image is a risk factor for overweight. Materials and Methods: It was a cross sectional study done during February 2015. The participants were recruited from among permanent residents of Tamil Nadu Slum clearance board residential apartment blocks. Systematic random sampling followed by Cluster sampling was done. All consenting individuals above 18 years of age were included. Pregnant women, bed riddenpatients and those who had an acute illness in the last 2 weeks were excluded. Data was collected using a semi-structured standardised pilot tested questionnaire which included the Stunkard's figure rating scale. Results: Number of families included were 170 and 315 individuals participated. Prevalence of overweight was 36.5% and prevalence of obesity was 12.4%. Prevalence of body-image dissatisfaction (BIDS) was 68.3% (women 68.9% and men 67%) and prevalence of body image distortion (BID) was 59% (women 57.5% and men 62.1%). Distorted body image [adjusted odds ratio (aOR); 95% confidence intervals (95% CI): 1.927;1.057,3.514] and underestimating body image size (aOR; 95% CI: 8.001;4.223,15.159) were highly significant predictors of obesity estimated by logistic regression. Conclusion: Though majority of population belonged to daily wage labourer work force, prevalence of overweight is high. Distorted ideal and current body image perception is also significantly high and is a definite risk factor for obesity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]