High prevalence of obesity and reduced physical activity among people with epilepsy: A single-centre cross-sectional...

Obesity is increasingly recognised as a significant comorbidity among people with epilepsy, influenced by biological, social, and cultural factors. Malaysia is a developing country facing the impending healthcare burden of obesity. Thus, we aim to study the prevalence and associated factors of obesity in epilepsy in our local setting.

This cross-sectional study was conducted at the National University of Malaysia Neurology clinic. Sociodemographic and clinical data were collected. Physical activity levels were assessed utilising the "Short QUestionnaire to ASsess Health-enhancing physical activity" (SQUASH) and the six-minute walk test. Participants were divided into obese and non-obese groups based on their body mass index (BMI).

Among 166 adults with epilepsy, 65 (39.2 %) were classified as obese. Obesity was associated with age (p = 0.001), age of epilepsy onset (p = 0.005), topiramate use (p = 0.022), total commuting activity score (p = 0.048), light intensity activities (p = 0.002), and intense activities (p = 0.024). We observed a weak positive correlation between obesity and age (r(166) = 0.25, p < 0.01), age of epilepsy onset (r(166) = 0.20, p < 0.01), topiramate use (r(166) = 0.16, p < 0.05), and light activity score (r(166) = 0.23, p < 0.01).

The prevalence of obesity is higher in people with epilepsy compared to the general population in Malaysia. The cause is multifactorial, influenced by reduced physical activity, age-related changes, and potential effects of antiseizure medications. This study highlights the importance of routine BMI assessment to identify patients at risk for obesity. Early identification could facilitate intervention to enhance overall clinical outcomes.