Factors associated with and socioeconomic inequalities in underweight, overweight and obesity among adults aged 18-49 years in Lesotho: Evidence from the 2023-2024 Demographic and Health Survey.

ABSTRACT: The coexistence of underweight and overweight/obesity within populations presents a major public health concern for low- and middle-income countries undergoing rapid nutrition transition. In Lesotho, limited evidence exists on the prevalence, determinants, and socioeconomic inequalities of these conditions among adults. This study utilized data from the nationally representative 2023-2024 Lesotho Demographic and Health Survey (LDHS), comprising 5,457 adults aged 18-49 years. Body mass index (BMI) was categorized as underweight (<18.5 kg/m2), normal weight (18.5-24.9 kg/m2), and overweight/obese (≥25.0 kg/m2). Weighted prevalence estimates, multinomial logistic regression, and concentration indices were used to examine associated factors and socioeconomic inequalities. Among adults aged 18-

SUBMITTER: Mazumder A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12818733 | biostudies-literature | 2026

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature