2023 Volume 1 Issue 2 Pages 26-33
Aim: To determine the lifestyle characteristics associated with obesity among adult citizens living in Yugawara town, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan.
Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study consisting of a survey using a “Daily Living Conditions questionnaire.” The study participants were 397 subjects aged 40–64 years from Yugawara town, Japan. For data analysis, participants were divided into two groups according to body mass index (BMI) as follows: normal weight group (BMI: 18.5–24.9 kg/m2) and overweight/obese subjects group (BMI ≥25.0 kg/m2). The outcome variable was obesity, while the questionnaire items, including drinking and eating patterns, were the explanatory variables. Logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the association between obesity and lifestyle-related explanatory variables.
Results: Obesity was associated with “eating dinner alone” (odds ratio [OR] = 2.10; p = 0.009, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.20–3.70), “small family size” (OR = 2.87; p = 0.003, 95% CI = 1.43–5.78), “eating very fast” (OR = 1.74; p = 0.038, 95% CI = 1.03–2.93) and “abstaining from or infrequently drinking alcohol” (OR = 2.22; p = 0.006, 95% CI = 1.26–3.90). Furthermore, “daily alcohol consumption” (OR = 0.37, p = 0.004; 95% CI = 0.18–0.73) was associated with lower obesity risk.
Conclusion: This study’s findings show that eating alone may lead to nutritional imbalances among Japanese citizens living in Yugawara town, highlighting the importance of promoting a well-balanced diet.
