Public Opinion About Ramadan and Obesity in Egypt

Abstract

The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of people’s perception of Ramadan eating habits and obesity in Egypt. Data were obtained through a paper and pencil cross-sectional survey that was administered to adults aged 18 and above in the Assiut Governorate in Egypt in 2015. The dependent variable was obesity, measured using the body mass index. Multivariate logistic regression models were fitted to the data. Ramadan eating habits were significantly associated with an opinion about obesity (AOR = 3.82, CI = 2.91, 5.00) and individuals that were low in religious orthodoxy experienced odds of obesity that were higher than persons with moderate orthodoxy (AOR = 1.52, CI = 1.10, 2.09). The present study has made a significant contribution by exploring how the understanding of and interpretations of religious dogma influence views on obesity. It is expected that future studies will adopt such an approach to studying obesity and other health outcomes.