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Adina Batnitzky, MA, Department of Sociology, Brown University, Box 1916, Providence, RI 02912, 6178521629, Adina_Batnitzky@brown.edu
Introduction: This study examines the gendered nature of obesity and the mechanisms that contribute to its growing prevalence in the North African country of Morocco. Often referred to as the developing world's new burden of disease, obesity constitutes a major and growing health epidemic globally. In Morocco, it has been identified as a growing disease afflicting 13.3% of Moroccan adults.
Methods: Both secondary quantitative data and primary qualitative data have been analyzed. The qualitative methodology consisted of in-depth interviews and participant observation of the daily lives of women and men within the household. The quantitative analysis included the examination of national survey data on cardiovascular risk and the role SES plays in the growing prevalence of obesity. Logistic regression analysis was employed.
Results: Women are significantly more likely to be obese (BMI > 30) than men, controlling for all socio-demographic variables (21.8% vs. 8.1%). Middle-class women are most likely to be obese, whereas social class is not a significant predictor of obesity risk for men. Educational level is also a significant indicator of obesity risk. An inaccurate etiology of obesity, unequal intrahousehold resource allocation, overweight body image ideals, a lack of physical activity, consumption of diets high in sugar, refined grains and fat, and son preference were observed among Moroccan men and women at the household level.
Conclusions: In the Moroccan context, social structure and culture interact to determine men's and women's roles. Accordingly, the particular roles men and women assume influence their health status. This can be observed through the high prevalence of obesity among women, relative to men, in Morocco. This research reinforces the importance of social and cultural factors in determining gender differences in health, such as the influence of body image, household roles, gender bias and incongruent SES levels in promoting behaviors associated with obesity.
Learning Objectives: Learning Objectives
Keywords: Women's Health, Obesity
Related Web page: None
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.