Prevalence and associated health risk factors of overweight and obesity among educators in Nkomazi local municipality, Ehlanzeni district, Mpumalanga province, South Africa

Abstract

Educators play a vital role in society, making their health a public health priority. This cross-sectional study examined the prevalence of overweight and obesity, along with associated risk factors, among 315 teachers from 19 schools in the Nkomazi Local Municipality, Mpumalanga Province of South Africa. Data were gathered between February and May 2022 using researcher-administered questionnaires, anthropometric measurements following WHO guidelines, clinical and biochemical assessments such as blood pressure and glucose, and lifestyle behaviours such as dietary practices, alcohol consumption, and smoking dietary practices were assessed. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 29, with chi-square tests and Pearson correlation applied at a significance level of p < 0.05. Findings indicated 2% of participants were underweight, 33.9% overweight, and 30.9% obese. Family history was significantly associated with BMI (p = 0.001) and WHR (p = 0.026), while routine physical exercise was linked to BMI (p = 0.002) and marginally to WHR (p = 0.050). Meal frequency showed an association with BMI (p = 0.026) but not with WHR (p = 0.465). Alcohol consumption was significantly associated with BMI (p = 0.021), whereas smoking showed no significant relationship. Using a glucose threshold of 5.6–7.0 mmol/L, 41.4% were at high risk for diabetes, and 11.5% were classified as hypertensive (systolic 140–159 mmHg). BMI showed modest associations with both blood pressure and glucose. Additionally, blood pressure and glucose were moderately strongly positively correlated, with a Pearson correlation of 0.562. The high prevalence of overweight and obesity appears related to modifiable lifestyle behaviours. Implementing school-based wellness initiatives that encourage physical activity, healthier diets, and responsible alcohol use could support SDG 3 and broader public health goals. As this study was limited to a single municipality, the results may not be generalizable to other districts or the province.