Body weight status, exercise routines and nutritional patterns of clients in health clubs in Kampala city, Uganda

Abstract

The prevalence of overweight and obesity (OWO) is increasing m developing countries including Uganda. This has been linked to lifestyle and work related pressure that has negatively influenced physical activity and nutritional patterns. The health and fitness industry has become increasingly crucial in providing some fom1 of therapy to curb OWO. However little is known about clients who visited the fitness clubs. The study assessed the body weight status, exercise routines and nutritional patterns of clients in selected health clubs. Cross sectional survey design was used to assess body weight status, exercise routines and nutritional patterns of clients. Purposive sampling was used to select Kampala city, stratified sampling to select clients according to gender, and quota sampling to select two health clubs from each of the five divisions of Kampala city. Sample size was 206 clients and 100 clients responded. Questionnaires were used to collect data. Weight, height, waist and hip circumferences were measured. BMI, WC and WHR were computed. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package of Social Sciences version 16 and results presented using graphs, pie charts and tables. Using BMI, (45.3% male (M), 57.4% female (F), (18.9% M, 25.5% F) and (35.8% M, 17.0% F) were overweight, obese and normal respectively. Using WC, 51.06% F and 11 .3% M were overweight or obese and using WHR, 24% M and 20% F were above the normal range. Results revealed that there was a significant relationship between BMI and WC scores of clients in Kampala health clubs. there was no significant relationship between BMI and WHR scores of clients in Kampala city health clubs and there was a significant difference between the weight status of female and male clients in Kampala city health clubs. Most clients took unhealthy diet and engaged in cardio training activities which alone may not provide optimal results. Study concluded that OWO are prevalent among clients in Kampala city and female clients were more overweight and obese than male clients. Study recommended appropriate exercise and nutritional programs for clients