Abstract

Author:
Rashedul Islam, A.B.M. Nahid Hasan, Md. Asaduzzaman, Md. Mohasin Kabir Bhuyan, Prosenjit Basak, Tapu Basak, Md. Khairullah, Subrata Adhikary, Tutul Ahmed, Rakibul Hasan, Md. Shamim Hossain, Nusrat Jahan Ferdous, Dr. Rumana Rashid

Doi: 10.26480/jhcdc.01.2025.17.23

This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License CC BY 4.0, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited

With the global escalation of obesity, understanding its determinants in specific populations is crucial. This study investigates the socio-demographic, lifestyle, and biochemical factors contributing to obesity among garment workers in Bangladesh, a group particularly vulnerable due to economic and occupational conditions. Methods A case-control study was conducted involving garment workers from urban areas in Bangladesh. Participants were divided into obese (case group) and non-obese (control group) based on BMI criteria. Data on socio-demographic characteristics, lifestyle habits, and biochemical markers (total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL cholesterol, and C-reactive protein levels) were collected and analyzed. Results The study included 100 participants, with 50 in each group. Key findings indicate a significant association between obesity and lower income levels, with 64% of the obese group earning below 25,000 BDT monthly. Additionally, 74% of the obese participants reported low physical activity levels. Biochemical analysis revealed higher levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, and CRP in the obese group. Lifestyle factors such as skipping breakfast and frequent consumption of fast food were markedly more common among obese workers. Conclusions The findings underscore a complex interplay between socio-demographic factors, lifestyle choices, and biochemical markers in the prevalence of obesity among garment workers in Bangladesh. These insights highlight the need for targeted health interventions and policy reforms aimed at improving the occupational and economic conditions of garment workers, addressing both lifestyle habits and access to healthcare services to mitigate obesity and its associated health risks.