摘要：Objectives. This study documented the prevalence of and cardiovascular risk factors associated with obesity and undernutrition in the Gambia. Methods. Adults (≥15 years; N = 5373) from rural and urban areas completed a questionnaire; their height, weight, and waist and hip circumferences were measured, and their cardiovascular risk factors were assessed. Results. Prevalence of undernutrition (body mass index < 18 kg/m 2 ) was 18.0%; all strata of society were affected. Prevalence of obesity (body mass index ≥30 kg/m 2 ) was 4.0% but was higher (32.6%) among urban women 35 years or older. Cardiovascular risk factors were more prevalent among obese participants. Conclusions. Undernutrition coexists with obesity, demonstrating a “double burden of disease.” Differential interventions should focus on high-risk groups; prevention needs a multisectorial approach. Undernutrition remains a serious health problem in sub-Saharan Africa; adult undernutrition is much more widespread than commonly recognized. 1 Adults are responsible economically for children and the elderly; their well-being is crucial. The detrimental effect of undernutrition on physical, economic, and mental well-being establishes a vicious circle of undernutrition and disease. 2 Overnutrition is an emerging problem in segments of sub-Saharan African society, particularly where lifestyles become urbanized and westernized, 3 and data have accumulated on the adverse health effects of obesity in sub-Saharan Africa. 4 Central obesity (obesity in the waist and hips) is particularly associated with cardiovascular disease. 5 Obese people have higher blood pressure measurements, blood glucose concentrations, and blood lipid concentrations, 6 although not all studies have confirmed these findings. 7 In a nationwide rapid assessment among Gambians older than 15 years, 18.0% were undernourished (body mass index [BMI] <18 kg/m 2 ), and 2.3% were obese (BMI ≥30 kg/m 2 ). 8 The coexistence of undernutrition and obesity is a “double burden of disease.” To facilitate planning of health interventions, we assessed BMI and associated cardiovascular risks among Gambian adults.
