Project among Accra traders finds overweight and obesity — MyJoyOnline

In Dansoman in Accra, Ghana, a research project involving 150 market traders found that about four in ten participants were overweight, while approximately one in three had obesity. Only about one-fifth of the traders fell within the normal body mass index range, MyJoyOnline reports.

Weight self-assessment differed from measurements

During the project, participants' height and weight, waist and hip circumference, body fat percentage, and muscle mass were measured. Many traders were also found to have high or very high body fat levels. Excess body fat, especially around the abdomen, is associated with a higher risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

At the same time, some participants whose measurements indicated overweight or obesity considered their weight normal. Only a small proportion of traders described themselves as having obesity. Despite this, dissatisfaction with their own weight was widespread, and many participants were trying to lose weight.

Skipping meals and advice from social media

Participants often named walking as a form of physical activity, while visits to gyms were infrequent. Among weight-loss methods, traders frequently mentioned skipping meals, while relatively few people mentioned deliberately changing their diet.

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The author of the article noted that available research does not provide convincing evidence that reducing the number of meals in itself is an effective weight-control strategy. Studies on breakfast also do not confirm that eating it regularly should be recommended to everyone as a way to lose weight.

Social media, friends, and relatives were important sources of information on weight control for the traders. Relatively few participants received such advice from dietitians or nutrition specialists. The author stressed that recommendations on nutrition and physical activity should be practical, considering the traders' long working hours, the availability of food near the market, and their ability to leave their workplace.

Previous studies of market traders

Another study involving 402 female traders at Abura and Kotokuraba markets in Cape Coast found overweight in about 32% of participants and obesity in 39%. Researchers also recorded gaps in knowledge about nutrition and dietary diversity. Obesity together with hypertension had previously been studied among traders at Kaneshie Market in Accra.