This study aimed to estimate the prevalence and correlates of overweight and obesity among adults in Iraq. Data from a 2015 nationally representative cross-sectional survey of 3916 persons 18 years or older (M (median) age = 40 years, IQR (interquartile range) age = 29-52 years; men: M = 41 years, IQR = 29-54 years; women: M = 40 years, IQR = 30-51 years) who responded to a questionnaire, and physical and biochemical measures were analysed. Multinomial logistic regression was utilised to predict the determinants of overweight and obesity relative to under or normal weight. The results indicate that 3.6% of the participants were underweight (body mass index (BMI) <18.5 kg/m2), 30.8% had normal weight (BMI 18.5-24.9 kg/m2), 31.8% were overweight (25.0-29.9 kg/m2), and 33.9% had obesity (BMI ≥30.0 kg/m2). In the adjusted multinomial logistic regression, being aged 40-49 years (compared to 18-39 years old) (adjusted relative risk ratio (ARRR): 4.47, confidence interval (CI): 3.39-5.91), living in an urban residence (ARRR: 1.28, CI: 1.14-2.18), and having hypertension (ARRR: 3.13, CI: 2.36-4.17) were positively associated with obesity. Being male (ARRR: 0.47, CI: 0.33-0.68), having more than primary education (ARRR: 0.69, CI: 0.50-0.94), and having a larger household size (five members or more) (ARRR: 0.45, CI: 0.33-0.60) were negatively associated with obesity. Approximately two in three adult participants were overweight/obese, and sociodemographic and health risk factors were found that can be utilised in targeting interventions.
Keywords: adulthood; health behaviour; health status; obesity; overweight.