Evaluating Diabetes Mellitus Susceptibility Among Pakistani Individuals With Grade-II Obesity: A Case-control Study: Obesity–Diabetes Association

Syed Muhammad Zaeem Hasan  Zaidi; Syed Meeran  Hasnain; Anozia  Sabir; Rahat Akhlaq; Umeeda Baz Ali  Imamzada; Maliha  Sajid

Authors

Syed Muhammad Zaeem Hasan Zaidi Indus University of Health Sciences https://orcid.org/0009-0005-2301-5867
Syed Meeran Hasnain Ziauddin University, Karachi, Pakistan
Anozia Sabir Dadabhoy Institute of Higher Education
Rahat Akhlaq Ziauddin University, Karachi, Pakistan
Umeeda Baz Ali Imamzada Jinnah College of Physical Therapy, Karachi, Pakistan
Maliha Sajid Sohail University, Karachi, Pakistan

Keywords:

Diabetes Mellitus, Obesity, Physical Activity, Public Health, Quality of Life

Abstract

Background: Although obesity is recognized as one risk factor for the development of diabetes, studies examining the relationship between obesity and type 2 diabetes among Asia's rapidly growing population remains a relatively unexplored area of study. Therefore, this research determines the association of Class II obesity (BMI ≥35 kg/m2) with type 2 diabetes among adults who reside in Karachi, Pakistan.

Methods: From October 2024 to February 2025, this case-control study was conducted at three tertiary care hospitals in Karachi, Pakistan. Convenience sampling was used to recruit the participants from outpatient endocrinology departments, with a total of 233 participants. Data on demographics, health history, and lifestyle factors were obtained via questionnaire. Diabetes status was established from self-reports of a diabetes diagnosis or diabetes medications. The data was analyzed using SPSS statistics and descriptive statistics. The association between the two groups was estimated using odds ratios and relative risk.

Results: The study sample comprised 48.5% males and 51.5% females, respectively, with males diagnosed with DM being 50.4%, and females 37.7%. However, 28.3% participants suffered from both diabetes and obesity. The odds ratio for diabetes for Class II Obese patients in comparison to all other patients was 2.995, and the relative risk of Class II Obese patients developing diabetes was 1.870 (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: Class II obesity substantially increases the incidence of diabetes in this population in Pakistan. Health promotion programs are required to support healthy lifestyle changes along with appropriate medical treatment to decrease the impact of diabetic obesity on society.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.59564/amrj/03.03/011

Author Biographies

Syed Muhammad Zaeem Hasan Zaidi, Indus University of Health Sciences

Lecturer

Syed Meeran Hasnain, Ziauddin University, Karachi, Pakistan

Assistant Professor, College of Physical Therapy

Anozia Sabir, Dadabhoy Institute of Higher Education

Senior Lecturer

Rahat Akhlaq, Ziauddin University, Karachi, Pakistan

Senior Lecturer, College of Physical Therapy

Umeeda Baz Ali Imamzada, Jinnah College of Physical Therapy, Karachi, Pakistan

Vice Principal / Assistant Professor

Maliha Sajid, Sohail University, Karachi, Pakistan

Head of Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program

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