the factors associated with adult obesity in iran: a review

over the last two decades a main focus in obesity research in iran has been on finding variables associated with body weight. it is now clear that prevalence of obesity is not uniform in urban communities, its distribution being dependent to a large extent on such variables as age and gender, as well as socio-economic factors. more specifically, the available information indicates that in the adult population the main variables associated with this widespread disease include marital status, smoking habits, physical activity, family size, dietary pattern, and the area (urban/rural) where one lives. this paper reviews the published data on the determinants of obesity in iranian adults and compares them with those reported from other countries. knowledge of such determinants will help greatly health planners and policy-makers in designing and implementing effective targeted intervention programs aiming at controlling the obesity epidemic in iran.