Trends and economic inequalities in obesity prevalence in Ghana: a cross-sectional study spanning 2008-2022

BackgroundIn Ghana, obesity is more prevalent among women. The adverse health outcomes associated with obesity echo the urgency for low-and-middle-income countries like Ghana to track the trends and identify economic inequalities in order to inform policy direction and interventions. Hence, this study examines the trends and economic inequalities in obesity prevalence among women in Ghana.MethodsThis study pooled data from the 2008 (n = 4899), 2014 (n = 4748) and 2022 (n = 7617) Ghana demographic and health survey data. Descriptive analysis as well as trend analysis and multivariable logistic regression were performed. Erreygers Concentration Index (ECI) was used to estimate the economic inequalities in obesity prevalence.ResultsThe findings suggest an increasing trend in the prevalence of obesity rising from 9.3% in 2008 to 18.8% in 2022. Year-to-year comparisons showed that the odds of obesity increased by 4.3% between 2008 and 2014 (OR = 1.04, 95% CI: 1.03-1.06), by 1.7% between 2014 and 2022 (OR = 1.02, 95%CI: 1.01-1.03), and by 6.1% between 2008 and 2022 (OR = 1.06, 95%CI: 1.05-1.07). Economic status, as measured by wealth index, was significant with the richest women having nearly eight times higher odds of obesity compared to the poorest (AOR = 7.76, 95%CI: 5.94-10.13). The ECI was 0.1430 (p < 0.001), indicating a pro-rich concentration of obesity.ConclusionThere are pro-rich inequalities in obesity prevalence in Ghana. Wealthier women, particularly those in urban and coastal areas, older age groups, and those with higher parity, are disproportionately affected by obesity. Policies and interventions aimed at reducing economic inequalities in obesity should consider the unique challenges faced by wealthier populations, such as promoting healthier diets and physical activity, while also addressing the broader structural factors that contribute to obesogenic environments.