[Epidemiologiy of obesity among university students in Douala, Cameroon]

To determine the prevalence of obesity, its risk factors, and its health risks among students of the University of Douala.

In April, 2011, 2696 students volunteered to participate in a screening campaign for diabetes, high blood pressure (HBP), and obesity. Their physical activity (PA) level was also evaluated.

The sample consisted of 1276 (47.3%) men and 1420 (52.7%) women with a mean age of 23.8 ± 3.5 years. The general prevalence of obesity was 4.1%, and it was more common among women (p = 0.043). The age group most highly affected was those 35 years or older, with a prevalence of 39.5% (p<0.02). Among the obese, the risk level was high in 78 (70.9%) women. The prevalence of HBP was higher among obese than non-obese students (20.9% vs. 12.5%, p = 0.019), and the prevalence of diabetes five times higher (4.5% vs. 0.8%, p = 0.003). Obesity was highly associated with alcohol consumption (p = 0.01), physical inactivity (p = 0.007), and family history of diabetes (p = 0.008).

Obesity is a worrisome disorder among students in Douala. Educating students about this topic and developing an obesity prevention and management program may improve their health.