Distribution of Body Mass Index and Abdominal Obesity in Bayelsa State with Associated Interleukin-2 Gene Expression

Aims: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the distribution, prevalence and determinants of obesity, overweight and abdominal obesity in Bayelsa State, Nigeria as well as associated IL-2 gene expression. Study Design: A community based cross sectional study design was employed to randomly select 420 participants (aged 18 – 65 years) for the study. Methodology: The study participants were grouped into normal, overweight and general obesity based on their body mass index (BMI) and sub-grouped into normal and abdominal obesity based on their waist circumference. Weighing scale, metre rule and measuring tape were used to measure weight, height and waist circumference respectively. Real time PCR was used to quantify IL-2 gene expression. Results: The BMI distribution of adults in Bayelsa State was symmetrical around the mean (27.25 ± 4.12). Mean waist circumference was 95.27 ± 15.92 (men 97.51 ± 12.38; women 93.41 ± 18.15 cm).  The prevalence of obesity, overweight and abdominal obesity were 26.2% (male, 10.7%; females, 15.5%), 35.2% (males, 16.4%; female, 18.8%), and 62.9% (males, 28.1% females, 34.8%) respectively. Compared with the normal group, a significant upregulation of IL-2 gene expression was found in the overweight, general obesity and abdominal obesity groups (p < 0.05). Significant association of the following determinants with obesity was found: both sexes, age group 36 - 55 years, working as small and medium scale business entrepreneurs and civil servants. Age group 56 – 65 years and female sex were associated with abdominal obesity. Conclusion: The present study found a high prevalence of overweight, general obesity and abdominal obesity in Bayelsa State and associated over expression of IL-2 gene. Findings may have implication for IL-2 based biomarker and drug development. Interventions to reduce BMI and waist circumference in Bayelsa State is emphasized in the present study.