Dietary patterns as risk factor for obesity and mass noncomunicable diseases

Inroduction: Obesity has a great impact on morbidity and mortality. Body Mass Index (BMI) of over 25 kg/m(2) is associated with increased mortality and morbidity from various diseases. It has been shown that the risk for mass noncomunicable diseases (NCD) in population progressively increases with elevation of BMI over 21 kg/m(2). Changes in lifestyle and dietary patterns have an impact on our suffering from NCD. Aim: To indicate association between diet and obesity as a risk factor for onset of NCD. To indicate medical and economic reasons for undertaking certain promotive and preventive measures leading to change of our life style. Methods: The sample involved 433 examinees, aged 25-75 years, who visited their family doctor in the Primary Health Care Centre of Banjaluka. We used antropomeetric measurements and semi-quantitative diet frequency poll. Results: The incidence of overweight in examined sample was 46.5% and of obesity 25.0%, 16.55% examinees had a low level of daily physical activity. Examinees with BMI of >= 25 consumed less vegetables, fish and sea food than those with normal BMI levels, the difference being statistically significant. Conclusion: High prevalence of obesity in examinees in Banjaluka, inadequate nutritional status with low level of physical activity, are the reason for undertaking activities that should lead to development of cost effective educational methods and counselling of population with health promotion and prevention activities through primary health care, which is the first patient's contact with the health system.