- Introduction
According to Rosstat data, an analysis of obesity incidence in the Russian Federation revealed a pronounced upward trend between 2020 and 2024. In Russia in 2024, the adult obesity rate reached 24.6%, while more than 60% of adults are overweight. In the Irkutsk Region, the proportion of adults with overweight reached 62.5% in 2024. The total number of registered obesity cases increased from 1,909.7 thousand in 2020 to 3,003.2 thousand in 2024, i.e., an increase of more than 57%, indicating a significant deterioration of the epidemiological situation. A similar trend is observed in relative indicators: the incidence rate per 100,000 population rose from 1292.9 in 2020 to 2055.1 in 2024 (growth >50%). These data testify to the growing medical and social significance of obesity among the adult population of the Russian Federation and justify the need to develop and implement effective comprehensive measures for primary prevention, taking into account the identified trends.
This paper presents statistical data on risk factors for obesity among the population attached to the polyclinic of Irkutsk City Clinical Hospital No. 1 for the year 2025.
- Materials and Methods
The object of the study was the adult population attached to the polyclinic of Irkutsk City Clinical Hospital No. 1. The subject of the study was the risk factors for obesity and the possibilities of their correction within the framework of a comprehensive approach to the primary prevention of overweight and obesity.
Research methods:
— Analytical method — review and analysis of scientific literature on the problem of primary prevention of obesity and risk factors among adults.
— Epidemiological method — study of the prevalence of obesity risk factors among the attached population.
— Statistical methods — processing of the obtained data using descriptive and analytical statistics.
— Method of medical and social assessment — identification of the influence of social and behavioral factors on the development of obesity.
— Modeling method — development and evaluation of the effectiveness of a comprehensive approach to primary prevention of obesity.
To analyze risk factors, a study group of 500 people (250 men and 250 women) was formed. The following main risk factors were considered: unhealthy diet, low physical activity, high stress level. Body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference were measured during routine medical examinations.
- Results and Discussion
3.1. Prevalence of overweight and obesity
The total attached population was 78,000 people. Of these, 8,005 had overweight, and 4,123 had obesity. The proportion of the population with increased body weight (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m²) was 15%. Among these, 10.1% were women and 4.9% were men; in the study group itself, the gender ratio was 65% women and 35% men. Table 1 shows the distribution by sex and age.
Table 1
Distribution of persons with overweight and obesity by sex and age.
| Name
|
Total adult population | Including | |||||||
| Total | В том числе | Men | Women | ||||||
| Working age | Older than working age | Total | Working age | Older than working age | Total | Working age | Older than working age | ||
| Overweight | 8005 | 4083 | 3922 | 2983 | 1961 | 1022 | 5022 | 2122 | 2900 |
| Obesity | 4123 | 1907 | 2216 | 1261 | 791 | 470 | 2862 | 1116 | 1746 |
3.2. Risk factors
The prevalence of risk factors among the surveyed 500 people is presented in Table 2.
Table 2
Prevalence of risk factors among the surveyed (n=500)
| Risk factors | Men | Women |
| Unhealthy diet | 210 | 205 |
| Low physical activity | 170 | 175 |
| High stress level | 25 | 15 |
Unhealthy diet occupies the leading place among risk factors, which is confirmed by the highest number of detected cases in both men and women. This factor directly affects the body’s energy balance and contributes to excessive weight gain. Low physical activity is the second most significant factor and is also widespread. Lack of motor activity reduces energy expenditure and enhances the negative impact of unhealthy diet, creating favorable conditions for the development of obesity. High stress level is less common, but its importance should not be underestimated. Stress can act as a trigger, affecting eating behavior (overeating, choosing high-calorie foods) and reducing motivation for physical activity. Thus, the greatest contribution to the development of obesity is made by behavioral factors — unhealthy diet and physical inactivity, while stress plays an additional but significant role.
3.3. Comprehensive approach to prevention
Based on the obtained data, a comprehensive approach to primary prevention of overweight and obesity at the outpatient level has been developed. It includes the following components:
— Screening and early detection: regular measurement of BMI and waist circumference; formation of risk groups (low physical activity, unhealthy diet, high stress); maintenance of a register of patients with risk factors.
— Individual preventive work: counseling on the principles of rational nutrition; recommendations for increasing physical activity; correction of behavioral factors (overeating, physical inactivity, stress); motivational counseling and goal setting.
— Group preventive programs («health schools» for overweight patients): educational lectures and trainings on nutrition and lifestyle; weight loss programs under the supervision of specialists.
— Medical and social measures: consideration of social factors (income level, education, working conditions); involvement of the family in the preventive process; interaction with employers (workplace health programs).
— Organizational measures in the polyclinic: implementation of standards for preventive counseling; training of medical personnel; interdisciplinary approach (therapist, dietitian, psychologist, exercise therapy instructor).
— Information and educational work: distribution of brochures and recommendations; use of digital services (mobile applications, online consultations); formation of motivation for a healthy lifestyle.
— Monitoring and evaluation of effectiveness: follow-up observation of patients; assessment of changes in BMI and risk factors; adjustment of prevention programs based on the data obtained.
Such a systematic approach ensures a comprehensive impact on the main causes of obesity and increases the effectiveness of its primary prevention at the outpatient level.
- Conclusions
The study showed that the activities of the polyclinic in identifying and preventing obesity are effective and meet modern healthcare requirements. A high detection rate of overweight and obesity is achieved through regular preventive examinations, active screening, and standardized patient assessment methods. The comprehensive approach, including not only diagnostics but also systematic prevention (health education, counseling on rational nutrition, physical activity, healthy lifestyle), together with interdisciplinary interaction and individualization of recommendations, is of particular importance. The analysis of risk factors has identified key directions for intervention: lifestyle modification, diet, physical activity, and stress management. Implementing the proposed comprehensive approach will reduce the risk of chronic noncommunicable diseases and improve the quality of life of the population.
References
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3. Ministry of Health of the Irkutsk Region. Report on the Health Status of the Population of the Irkutsk Region for 2024. Irkutsk, 2025. 95 p.
4. Karamnova N.S., Drapkina O.M. Risk Factors for Obesity Development and Their Correction at the Outpatient Stage. Preventive Medicine. 2024;27(3):45-52.
5. World Health Organization. Obesity and Overweight: Fact Sheet. Geneva: WHO, 2024. Available at: https://www.who.int/ru/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/obesity-and-overweight (accessed 10.03.2026).
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