Background: Obesity has increased significantly among people living with HIV (PLHIV), particularly those taking integrase inhibitors, and is becoming a major concern. The aim of this study was to identify the determinants of obesity in patients followed up at the Yaoundé Central Hospital (YCH).
Methods: This was an analytical cross-sectional study conducted from March to May 2025 among adults living with HIV, followed up at the YCH day ward. Eligible participants were recruited by consecutive sampling after consent. Sociodemographic, clinical, anthropometric and lifestyle data were collected using a structured questionnaire. The World Health Organisation (WHO) Body Mass Index (BMI) classification was used to define obesity. Logistic regression was then used to identify factors associated with obesity.
Results: A total of 317 participants (88 men and 229 women) were included, with a mean age of 44.5 ± 10.88 years. The mean Body mass Index (BMI) was 26.32 ± 5.02 kg/m². The prevalence of obesity was 23.3% (35.41% of women versus 7.56% of men). The factors associated with obesity in PLHIV were : older age (≥ 50 years) (aOR=2.084, [CI95% 1.090 - 3.985]), female sex (aOR=4.301, [CI95% 2.247 - 8.231]), regular consumption of animal protein (aOR=3.667, [CI95% 1.403 - 9.401]), sedentary lifestyle (aOR=2.447, [CI95% 1.390 - 4, 307]), regular consumption of carbonated soft drinks (aOR=2.103, [CI95% 1.203 - 3.677]), regular consumption of alcohol (aOR=3.726, [CI95% 2.121 - 6.545]) and duration of treatment (≥ 03 years) (aOR=3.197, [CI95% 1.535 - 6.662]).
Conclusion: The prevalence of obesity among PLHIV is considerable, particularly among women and the elderly. In addition to prolonged duration on ART, sedentary lifestyle and poor diet have been identified as key associated factors.