Introduction: Overweight is a significant social problem in the contemporary industrial world, rapidly increasing worldwide, regardless of a countries’ level of development. It is estimated that approximately 1.9 billion people all over the world are overweight. This problem is particularly prevalent among women for a variety of reasons. The overweight is also becoming more prevalent in Iran. One major factor contributing to overweight is the sedentary lifestyle that has become widespread in the industrial world due to the advancement in automation and artificial intelligence. Given the high rates of overweight among women in Iran on one hand, and the negative consequences associated with this problem on the other hand, this research aims to investigate the relationship between physical inactivity and overweight among women in Yasouj city.
Method: This study utilized quantitative research method through a survey technique. The population consisted of women aged 18 to 45 in Yasouj city, with a sample size of 380 selected using multi-stage random sampling method. Overweight was measured using the BMI index, where the weight and height of the women were recorded and categorized as either 1) overweight or 2) not overweight. Inactivity was assessed by means of a researcher-developed questionnaire with 10 questions, utilizing a two-choice nominal measurement (yes = 1, no = 0). Given the number of questions and the type of measurement, the range of scores was between 0 (minimum) and 10 (maximum). The validity of this questionnaire was assessed through face validity and consultation with experts, while reliability was determined by means of the test-retest method. Statistical analysis was conducted using the logistic regression test with the SPSS software.
Findings: The results of the study showed that one out of every three female respondents is overweight. This means that over 30% of women are affected by overweight. This study finding clearly indicates that overweight is a prevalent social problem in urban society of Iran. Additionally, the inferential findings using logistic regression analysis indicated a positive and significant relationship between physical inactivity and overweight. In other words, as women internalize of the culture of inactivity more, the chance of membership in the overweight group increases.
Conclusion: The culture of inactivity has a significant effect on overweight among women in urban areas. Based on the research findings, expanding the culture of physical activity among women can help alleviate and reduce one of the acute social problems in urban areas, namely overweight among women.