Displaying publications 41 - 60 of 81 in total

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  1. Jan Mohamed HJ, Yap RW, Loy SL, Norris SA, Biesma R, Aagaard-Hansen J
    Asia Pac J Public Health, 2015 Mar;27(2):123-35.
    PMID: 25524952 DOI: 10.1177/1010539514562447
    This systematic review aimed to examine trends in overweight, obesity, and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) among Malaysian adults, and to identify its underlying determinants. A review of studies published between 2000 and 2012 on overweight, obesity, and T2DM was conducted. The Cochrane library of systematic reviews, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Biosis, Scopus, and MyJurnal digital database were searched. According to national studies, the prevalence of overweight increased from 26.7% in 2003 to 29.4% in 2011; obesity prevalence increased from 12.2% in 2003 to 15.1% in 2011, and T2DM prevalence was reported as 11.6% in 2006 and 15.2% in 2011. Distal determinants of increased risk of overweight, obesity, and T2DM were as follows: female, Malay/Indian ethnicity, and low educational level. The limited number of studies on proximal determinants of these noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) indicated that an unhealthy diet was associated with increased risk, whereas smoking was associated with decreased risk. However, more studies on the proximal determinants of overweight, obesity, and T2DM within the Malaysian context are needed. Overall, our findings provide insights for designing both future investigative studies and strategies to control and prevent these NCDs in Malaysia.
    Matched MeSH terms: Overweight/epidemiology*
  2. Tai YT, Khoo JK, Lim QH, Lim LL, Paramasivam SS, Ratnasingam J, et al.
    PLoS One, 2025;20(1):e0316837.
    PMID: 39761286 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0316837
    Gestational Weight Gain (GWG) modulates pregnancy outcomes and long-term offspring metabolic health. The 2009 Institute of Medicine (IOM) GWG recommendations have largely been validated in Caucasian and mono-ethnic East Asian cohorts. Asians are at higher metabolic risk at a lower body mass index (BMI), and this has prompted the World Health Organization (WHO) to identify lower BMI cut-offs for risk evaluation amongst Asians. This prospective observational cohort study aimed to determine if 2009 IOM GWG thresholds are applicable in a contemporary multi-ethnic South-East Asian cohort. We recruited 875 mothers from an urban Malaysian tertiary clinic during screening for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) from 2014-2021. Data collected included measures of insulin-sensitivity, total GWG (maternal weight at delivery-self-reported pre-gravid weight), and neonatal anthropometrics (birthweight and skinfold-thickness measured with Harpenden calipers). BMI was stratified by Caucasian (overweight ≥25kg/m2, obese ≥30kg/m2) as well as Asian (overweight ≥23kg/m2, obese ≥27.5kg/ m2) cut-offs, and patients categorized by 2009 IOM GWG reference ranges. The cohort comprised 67% Malay-, 23% Chinese- and 10% Indian-descent mothers with a high prevalence of overweight/obesity (Asian cut-offs 56.9% vs Caucasian 44%). When Asian BMI cut-offs were deployed, excessive GWG incidence increased (34.1% → 40.6%) whilst inadequate GWG declined (30% → 24.8%) (p<0.05). Upon multivariate-analysis (adjusting for age, parity, race, GDM, insulin-sensitivity, baby-gender) excessive GWG categorized with Caucasian BMI cut-offs was significantly associated with increased risk of macrosomia (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 8.65, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.07-70.01), Neonatal-Fat-Mass (NFM) >90th centile (aOR 2.14, 95% CI 1.02-4.45) and Sum-of-Skinfold Thickness (SSFT) >90th centile (aOR 3.88, 95% CI 1.77-8.51). Excessive GWG by Asian cut-offs was also associated with increased risk of SSFT >90th centile (aOR 5.75, 95% CI 2.35-14.10). Inadequate GWG by both Caucasian and Asian BMI cut-offs was associated with Small-for-Gestational-Age (SGA) status (aOR 4.30, 95% CI 2.48-7.45 and aOR 3.66, 95% CI 2.13-6.30 respectively). In conclusion, the 2009 IOM GWG recommendations, using either Caucasian or regional Asian BMI cut-offs, are applicable in a contemporary Malay majority South-East Asian cohort in terms of predicting abnormal neonatal adiposity. Importantly, the association with neonatal adiposity is independent of increased maternal insulin resistance characteristic of Asians.
    Matched MeSH terms: Overweight/epidemiology
  3. Khambalia AZ, Lim SS, Gill T, Bulgiba AM
    Food Nutr Bull, 2012 Mar;33(1):31-42.
    PMID: 22624296
    For many developing countries undergoing rapid economic growth and urbanization, trends in nutritional status indicate a decrease in malnutrition with an associated rise in the prevalence of obesity. An understanding of the situation among children in Malaysia is lacking.
    Matched MeSH terms: Overweight/epidemiology
  4. Cheong SM, Kandiah M, Chinna K, Chan YM, Saad HA
    J Community Health, 2010 Dec;35(6):698-705.
    PMID: 20458526 DOI: 10.1007/s10900-010-9274-1
    Socio-economic status, lifestyle behaviors, and psychosocial factors have been implicated in the development of overweight and obesity. This study aims to observe the prevalence of overweight and obesity in an academic worksite and to examine the possible association between variables such as socio-economic characteristics, work factors, psychosocial factors, and weight control behaviors and obesity. In this study, the target population were full-time academic and non-academic staff. Body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) were computed to determine obesity. A pretested self-administered questionnaire was used to obtain information on socio-demographic factors, work related factors, psychosocial factors, and weight control behaviors. Data were obtained on 367 adults of whom 39.2% were males and 60.8% females. Overweight was seen in 31.9% of males and 26.5% of females while 16.1% of them were obese, irrespective of gender. Central obesity was noted in about 37% of males and 39% of females. The results showed that socio-demographic factors (age, gender, and education) and psychosocial factors (perceived health status, body weight perception, and weight-control goals) were significantly associated with BMI. Working hours were also significantly associated with BMI. However, weight control practices (diet-control practices and physical activity practices) were not significantly associated with BMI. In conclusion, this study found a higher prevalence of overweight and obesity among employees of a selected public university in comparison to the general population. Socio-demographic, psychosocial factors, and working hours were found to contribute to obesity in this sample of adults.
    Matched MeSH terms: Overweight/epidemiology
  5. Hossain MG, Wee AS, Ashaie M, Kamarul T
    J Biosoc Sci, 2013 Sep;45(5):705-17.
    PMID: 23480448 DOI: 10.1017/S0021932013000060
    Early onset of menarche has been shown to be associated with breast cancer and ischaemic heart disease. Studies on age at menarche of the Malaysian population are poorly documented. This study aimed to determine the influence of anthropometric and socio-demographic factors on the age at menarche of university students in Malaysia. Data were obtained in 2010-11 from 961 students between the ages of 18 and 25 years from the University of Malaya using stratified sampling, and multiple regression analysis was applied. Sixty-three per cent of students reached menarche at the age of 12 or 13 years, with the mean and median of age at menarche being 12.45 ± 1.17 and 12.01 years, respectively. Menarcheal age was positively associated with height (p<0.05) and negatively associated with BMI (p<0.001). Students from urban areas attained menarche earlier than those from rural areas (p<0.05). Students from small-sized families attained menarche earlier than those from larger families (p<0.05). First-born students experienced menarche earlier than those who were seventh-born or later. Obese and overweight students reached menarche earlier than students who were underweight or of normal weight (p<0.01). The variations in age at menarche among the Malaysian ethnic groups were statistically insignificant. The results suggest that heavier and first-born students from small families are more likely to attain menarche earlier than their counterparts.
    Matched MeSH terms: Overweight/epidemiology
  6. Poh BK, Wong JE, Norimah AK, Deurenberg P
    Food Nutr Bull, 2016 Mar;37(1):3-13.
    PMID: 26769039 DOI: 10.1177/0379572115626025
    The prevalence of stunting, thinness, overweight, and obesity among children differs by ethnicity. It is not known whether differences in body build across the ethnic groups influence the interpretation of nutritional parameters.
    Matched MeSH terms: Overweight/epidemiology*
  7. Karim NA, Razak NA
    PMID: 30865965 DOI: 10.1159/000493704
    Two nationwide studies, namely the South East Asian Nutrition Survey (SEANUTS Malaysia) and MyBreakfast study showed that 13-17% of children aged between 6 and 12 years were either overweight or obese. From dietary assessment, the majority of children achieved the Malaysian recommended nutrient intake (RNI) for energy and protein, but more than 50% did not fulfill the RNI for calcium and vitamin D. The majority of children consumed breakfast regularly; however, 20-30% of children skipped breakfast. The MyBreakfast study showed that 17.7% of the children consumed ready-to-eat cereal (RTEC) at breakfast, while among non-RTEC consumers, bread (44.2%), eggs (31.8%), and nasi lemak (23.9%) were the most common foods consumed. RTEC was the major contributor of whole grain (68.6%), followed by hot cereal (18.6%), biscuits (8.7%), and bread (1.8%). In the SEANUTS Malaysia, among children aged 7-9 years, 13.4 and 9.5% met the Malaysian Dietary Guideline (MDG) for fruits and vegetables while among children aged 10-12 years, only 19.6 and 16.1%, respectively, met the MDG for fruits and vegetables. For the milk group, only 5.5% of 7- to 9-year-old children and 3.7% of those 10-12 years old met the MDG for milk/dairy products per day.
    Matched MeSH terms: Overweight/epidemiology
  8. Hasnah H, Amin I, Suzana S
    Malays J Nutr, 2012 Aug;18(2):161-71.
    PMID: 24575664 MyJurnal
    A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine bone health status and nutrient intakes among post-menopausal women residing in low cost houses in Cheras, Kuala Lumpur.
    Matched MeSH terms: Overweight/epidemiology
  9. Noor AM, Muthupalaniappen L, Shamsul AS, Hizlinda T, Khairani O, Fatimah A
    Malays J Nutr, 2012 Apr;18(1):47-55.
    PMID: 23713229 MyJurnal
    Body weight of children is affected by many factors including food habits which are influenced by their parents. Studies in the West have shown that parents tend to control child feeding in response to their child's weight status. The aim of this study was to assess Malaysian parental concerns about child weight and the control they exert on child feeding.
    Matched MeSH terms: Overweight/epidemiology
  10. Poh BK, Kathryn Tham BL, Wong SN, Winnie Chee SS, Tee ES
    Malays J Nutr, 2012 Aug;18(2):231-42.
    PMID: 24575669 MyJurnal
    Early childhood is a period during which many factors influence the development of lifelong eating habits. This study aimed to assess the nutritional status of young children and to determine factors related to eating habits.
    Matched MeSH terms: Overweight/epidemiology
  11. Ey Chua EY, Zalilah MS, Ys Chin YS, Norhasmah S
    Malays J Nutr, 2012 Apr;18(1):1-13.
    PMID: 23713226 MyJurnal
    It is known that dietary diversity improves diet quality and nutritional status of young children. This study aimed to determine the relationship between dietary diversity and nutritional status of Orang Asli children in Krau Wildlife Reserve.
    Matched MeSH terms: Overweight/epidemiology
  12. Cynthia J, Zalilah MS, Lim MY
    Malays J Nutr, 2013 Apr;19(1):25-35.
    PMID: 24800382 MyJurnal
    Despite the many benefits of family meals, data on association between family meals away from home (FMAFH) and nutritional status of adolescents is limited. This study determined the association between FMAFH with dietary intake and body mass index of adolescents (N = 408).
    Matched MeSH terms: Overweight/epidemiology
  13. Majid HA, Keow LP, Islam T, Su TT, Cantwell M, Taib NA, et al.
    J Acad Nutr Diet, 2018 04;118(4):705-713.
    PMID: 28756991 DOI: 10.1016/j.jand.2017.05.024
    BACKGROUND: Lifestyle factors, such as diet, body weight, and physical activity, are linked to better survival after breast cancer (BC) diagnosis. A high percentage of the Malaysian population is overweight or obese. In addition, studies have shown a disparity in survival among Malaysian women compared with other higher-income countries. The Malaysian Breast Cancer Survivorship Cohort (MyBCC) study aims to study lifestyle factors that affect survival in BC survivors. These are the preliminary findings on the nutritional status of Malaysian BC survivors.

    OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to evaluate the nutritional status of BC survivors at 1 year after diagnosis.

    DESIGN: This was a cross-sectional study of 194 participants from the MyBCC study, recruited within 1 year of their diagnosis. Participants completed a 3-day food diary.

    PARTICIPANTS: Malaysian women (aged 18 years and older) who were newly diagnosed with primary BC, managed at the University Malaya Medical Center, and able to converse either in Malay, English, or Mandarin were included.

    MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Dietary intake and prevalence of overweight or obesity among participants 1 year after diagnosis were measured.

    STATISTICAL ANALYSES PERFORMED: Student's t test and analysis of variance or its equivalent nonparametric test were used for association in continuous variables.

    RESULTS: About 66% (n=129) of participants were overweight or obese and >45% (n=86) had high body fat percentage 1 year after diagnosis. The participants' diets were low in fiber (median=8.7 g/day; interquartile range=7.2 g/day) and calcium (median=458 mg/day; interquartile range=252 mg/day). Ethnicity and educational attainment contributed to the differences in dietary intake among participants. Higher saturated fat and lower fiber intake were observed among Malay participants compared with other ethnic groups.

    CONCLUSIONS: Overweight and obesity were highly prevalent among BC survivors and suboptimal dietary intake was observed. Provision of an individualized medical nutrition therapy by a qualified dietitian is crucial as part of comprehensive BC survivorship care.

    Matched MeSH terms: Overweight/epidemiology*
  14. Alagappan M, Rampal L, Zalilah MS
    Med J Malaysia, 2019 12;74(6):513-520.
    PMID: 31929478
    INTRODUCTION: This cross-sectional study aimed to determine the prevalence of overweight and obesity and factors associated among secondary school students in Batang Padang District, Perak, Malaysia.

    METHODS: Out of the 7247 students in the ten selected schools studied, a total of 6248 students (2928 males, 3320 females) took part. A validated self-administered questionnaire was used. Data was analysed using SPSS version 22. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine the adjusted odd ratio.

    RESULTS: The prevalence of overweight and obesity was 16.0% and 11.5% respectively. Obesity/overweight was significantly (p<0.05) associated with gender, age, ethnicity, education level of father, education level of mother, physical activity, disordered eating, smoking status, body size perception and body part satisfaction. The multivariable analysis results showed that the odds of being overweight/obesity were higher in males compared to females (OR 1.56, 95%CI: 1.37, 1.77). The results also showed that the odds of being overweight/obesity were highest among those in age group 12 and 13 years and among Malay ethnicity. The odds of overweight/obesity were higher in those who was dissatisfied with their body parts, (OR 1.96, 95%CI: 1.71, 2.25), dissatisfied with their body size (OR: 4.25, 95%CI: 3.60, 5.02), low physical activity (OR 1.23, 95%CI: 1.06, 1.44), current smokers (OR 1.38, 95%CI: 1.07, 1.78) and at risk of having eating disorder (OR: 1.39, 95%CI 1.22, 1.59).

    CONCLUSION: The overall prevalence of overweight and obesity is high. The findings from this study can be used by policy makers to plan an integrated intervention program in schools.

    Matched MeSH terms: Overweight/epidemiology*
  15. Chang Y, Jung HS, Cho J, Zhang Y, Yun KE, Lazo M, et al.
    Am J Gastroenterol, 2016 08;111(8):1133-40.
    PMID: 27185080 DOI: 10.1038/ajg.2016.178
    OBJECTIVES: The risk of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) among obese individuals without obesity-related metabolic abnormalities, a condition referred to as metabolically healthy obese (MHO), is largely unexplored. Therefore, we examined the association between body mass index (BMI) categories and the development of NAFLD in a large cohort of metabolically healthy men and women.

    METHODS: A cohort study was conducted in 77,425 men and women free of NAFLD and metabolic abnormalities at baseline, who were followed-up annually or biennially for an average of 4.5 years. Being metabolically healthy was defined as not having any metabolic syndrome component and having a homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance <2.5. The presence of fatty liver was determined using ultrasound.

    RESULTS: During 348,193.5 person-years of follow-up, 10,340 participants developed NAFLD (incidence rate, 29.7 per 1,000 person-years). The multivariable adjusted hazard ratios (95% confidence intervals) for incident NAFLD comparing overweight and obese with normal-weight participants were 2.15 (2.06-2.26) and 3.55 (3.37-3.74), respectively. In detailed dose-response analyses, increasing baseline BMI showed a strong and approximately linear relationship with the incidence of NAFLD, with no threshold at no risk. This association was present in both men and women, although it was stronger in women (P for interaction <0.001), and it was evident in all clinically relevant subgroups evaluated, including participants with low inflammation status.

    CONCLUSIONS: In a large cohort of strictly defined metabolically healthy men and women, overweight and obesity were strongly and progressively associated with an increased incidence of NAFLD, suggesting that the obese phenotype per se, regardless of metabolic abnormalities, can increase the risk of NAFLD.

    Matched MeSH terms: Overweight/epidemiology
  16. Chang CT
    Rural Remote Health, 2007 Oct-Dec;7(4):864.
    PMID: 18076311
    INTRODUCTION: There is an increase in the prevalence of overweight and obesity in Malaysia. Besides prevalence studies, not much is known about either overweight or obese individuals. The objective of this study was to determine the stages of change in losing weight and the self-efficacy in eating control of three indigenous groups of overweight and obese adults in Sarawak, Malaysia.
    METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in one rural region in Sarawak using a purposive sample. A structured questionnaire, which included two scales: (1) Weight: Stages of change (SOC) to assess readiness to change; and (2) Weight Efficacy Lifestyle Questionnaire (WEL) (both adopted from the transtheoretical model of change); and a set of pre-tested questionnaires on socio-demographic data, the presence of health problems and self-assessment of weight appropriateness, was used to interview respondents.
    RESULTS: The stage distribution for weight loss of these adults respondents (n = 271) showed that 60.5% (n = 164) were in the pre-contemplation stage, 20.7% (n = 56) were in the contemplation stage, 8.5% (n = 23) were in the preparation stage, and 8.9% (n = 24) were in the action stage, while only 1.5% (n = 4) were in the maintenance stage. Except for education, the stage differences were generally stable across age, sex, race, household income, presence or absence of health problem, self-perceived weight and presence of overweight or obesity. Respondents were least able to control their eating under social pressure and food availability, according to their WEL score.
    CONCLUSION: A large proportion of the overweight or obese adults was not intending to lose weight. The factor structure of the two WEL original subscales enabled partial differentiation between respondents who were able or unable to resist eating in situations where there were availability of food and experienced physical discomfort. The study results indicate the importance of assessing individuals' SOC score in order to implement stage-matched intervention strategies. More studies should be performed in order to validate the WEL questionnaire for use with a Malaysian sample.
    Matched MeSH terms: Overweight/epidemiology*
  17. Shukri M, Jones F, Conner M
    Appetite, 2018 04 01;123:225-232.
    PMID: 29294321 DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2017.12.027
    There is increasing evidence to suggest that work-family conflict is implicated in poor eating patterns. Yet, the underlying mechanism remains unexplored. The objectives of the present study were to demonstrate the interplay between work-family conflict, eating style, and unhealthy eating, and to test whether body mass index (BMI) and its interactions further explicate the relationships. In this study, 586 Malaysian adults (normal weight n = 437, overweight n = 149) completed a questionnaire, which included demographic variables, work-family scales, eating style measures, namely, restrained, emotional or external eating and reported food intake. As hypothesized, results showed that family-to-work conflict (FWC), emotional eating and external eating were positively related to unhealthy food consumption. In addition, emotional eating was found to moderate the impact of FCW on eating. These findings are consistent with research that has revealed emotional eating can indeed increase the positive association between stress such as conflict and unhealthy food choices. However, we found no clear support for the interactive effects of BMI. Our research builds on the findings of existing research as it demonstrates the role of eating style in explaining the association between work-family conflict and unhealthy eating. This conclusion has potential implications for appropriate interventions and calls for the enhancement of various policies to tackle obesity and other health problems.
    Matched MeSH terms: Overweight/epidemiology*
  18. Lee YY, Kamarudin KS, Wan Muda WAM
    BMC Public Health, 2019 May 22;19(1):621.
    PMID: 31118019 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-019-6971-2
    BACKGROUND: For the past decades, Malaysia has seen an increased prevalence of overweight and obesity which leads to significant health threats. Physical activity is beneficial in maintaining healthy body weight. The objective of this study was to measure physical activity of adults in Malaysia using objective measurement (accelerometer) and self-reported methods, as well as to determine their associations with (body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) measurements.

    METHODS: Four-hundred and ninety Malaysian adults (n = 490) aged 20 to 65 years old participated in this cross-sectional study. Their body weight, height, and WC measurements were measured according to standard procedures. Physical activity was assessed objectively with accelerometers for five to seven consecutive days. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) was used to estimate the amount of time spent on various domains of physical activity. Mixed models were used to determine the associations between physical activity variables and both BMI and WC.

    RESULTS: The mean value of objectively measured moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) was 13.5 min per day, in which male participants recorded a significantly higher amount of time compared to females. On the other hand, the mean self-reported total physical activity was 380 min per week; male participants reported a significantly higher amount of time on physical activity in the occupation/work and leisure/recreation domains while female participants spent significantly more time in the domestic/household chores domain. We also observed that the mean values of objectively measured total MVPA, self-reported time spent on walking for leisure/recreation, and total time amount of time spent on MVPA for leisure/recreation were significantly higher among participants with BMI of less than 25 kg/m2. The final statistical model yielded a significant negative association between objectively measured total MVPA and BMI, but not with WC measurement. No significant association was reported between self-reported total physical activity with BMI and WC measurement.

    CONCLUSIONS: Objectively measured MVPA was inversely associated with BMI, but not WC measurement. No significant association was observed between self-reported total physical activity and physical activity time measures across domains with both BMI and WC measurement.

    Matched MeSH terms: Overweight/epidemiology*
  19. Pell C, Allotey P, Evans N, Hardon A, Imelda JD, Soyiri I, et al.
    BMC Public Health, 2016 10 13;16(1):1082.
    PMID: 27737680
    BACKGROUND: Malaysians have become increasingly obese over recent years. The transition from adolescence to early adulthood is recognized as critical for the development of eating and activity habits. However, little obesity-related research focuses on this life stage. Drawing on data from a health and demographic surveillance site in Malaysia, this article describes obesity and overweight amongst adolescents and young adults in a multi-ethnic population.

    METHODS: Data were collected at the South East Asia Community Observatory (SEACO) in Segamat District, Johor. In this dynamic cohort of approximately 40,000 people, 5,475 were aged 16-35 in 2013-2014. The population consists of Malay, Chinese, Indian and Indigenous (Orang Asli) families in proportions that reflect the national ethnic diversity. Data were collected through health profiles (Body Mass Index [BMI] measurements in homes) and self-report questionnaires.

    RESULTS: Age and ethnicity were associated with overweight (BMI 25.0-29.9Kg/m2) and obesity (BMI ≥ 30Kg/m2). The prevalence of overweight was 12.8 % at ages 16-20 and 28.4 % at ages 31-35; obesity was 7.9 % and 20.9 % at the same age groups. The main ethnic groups also showed varied patterns of obesity and overweight at the different age groups with Chinese at lowest and Orang Asli at highest risk. Level of education, employment status, physical activity and frequency of eating out were poorly predictive of overweight and obesity.

    CONCLUSION: The pattern of overweight and obesity in the 16-35 age group further highlights this as a significant period for changes in health-related behaviours. Further longitudinal research is however needed to confirm the observed pattern and investigate causal factors.
    Matched MeSH terms: Overweight/epidemiology*
  20. Ibrahim N, Moy FM, Awalludin IA, Ali Z, Ismail IS
    BMC Public Health, 2014 Apr 01;14:298.
    PMID: 24684809 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2458-14-298
    BACKGROUND: People with pre-diabetes are at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Measurements of health-related quality of life (HRQOL) among pre-diabetics enable the health care providers to understand their overall health status and planning of interventions to prevent type 2 diabetes. Therefore we aimed to determine the HRQOL and physical activity level; and its association with Body Mass Index (BMI) among pre-diabetics.

    METHODS: This was a cross sectional study carried out in two primary care clinics in a semi-urban locality of Ampangan, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia. Data was collected through self-administered questionnaires assessing the demographic characteristics, medical history, lifestyle and physical activity. The Short Form 36-items health survey was used to measure HRQOL among the pre-diabetics. Data entry and analysis were performed using the SPSS version 19.

    RESULTS: A total of 268 eligible pre-diabetics participated in this study. The prevalence of normal weight, overweight and obesity were 7.1%, 21.6% and 71.3% respectively. Their mean (SD) age was 52.5 (8.3) years and 64.2% were females. Among the obese pre-diabetics, 42.2% had both IFG and IGT, 47.0% had isolated IFG and 10.8% had isolated IGT, 36.2% had combination of hypertension, dyslipidemia and musculoskeletal diseases. More than 53.4% of the obese pre-diabetics had family history of diabetes, 15.7% were smokers and 60.8% were physically inactive with mean PA of <600 MET-minutes/week. After adjusted for co-variants, Physical Component Summary (PCS) was significantly associated with BMI categories [F (2,262)=11.73, p<0.001] where pre-diabetics with normal weight and overweight had significantly higher PCS than those obese; normal vs obese [Mdiff=9.84, p=0.006, 95% CIdiff=2.28, 17.40] and between overweight vs obese [Mdiff=8.14, p<0.001, 95% CIdiff=3.46, 12.80].

    CONCLUSION: Pre-diabetics who were of normal weight reported higher HRQOL compared to those overweight and obese. These results suggest a potentially greater risk of poor HRQOL among pre-diabetics who were overweight and obese especially with regard to the physical health component. Promoting recommended amount of physical activity and weight control are particularly important interventions for pre-diabetics at the primary care level.

    Matched MeSH terms: Overweight/epidemiology
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