This study examines the prevalence and associated factors of underweight and overweight/obesity among Afghan adults (18–69 years) based on the 2018 Afghanistan STEPS survey. The study analyzed 3,779 participants, finding that 7.8% were underweight (BMI <18.5), 49.5% had normal weight, 25.5% were overweight (BMI 25–29.9), and 17.2% were obese (BMI ≥30).
Key findings include:
Men were less likely to be underweight, while sedentary behavior and tobacco use increased underweight risk.
Aged 30–44 years, hypertension, and type 2 diabetes were significantly associated with overweight/obesity.
Higher physical activity levels were protective against overweight/obesity.
The study highlights the dual burden of malnutrition in Afghanistan and calls for public health interventions to address both undernutrition and obesity-related diseases.
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