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January 22, 2026Open Access

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

AMAnanna Mazumder PCPromit Ananyo Chakraborty AGArpan Das GuptaDaffodil International University

Key Points

The study aims to investigate the factors associated with underweight, overweight, and obesity among adults aged 18-49 in Lesotho, focusing on socioeconomic inequalities.
Utilized data from the 2023-2024 Lesotho Demographic and Health Survey.
Categorized body mass index into underweight, normal weight, and overweight/obese.
Applied multinomial logistic regression to analyze associations.
Employed concentration indices to assess socioeconomic inequalities.
15.2% of adults were underweight, 48.2% had normal BMI, and 36.6% were overweight or obese.
Underweight was more prevalent among men (22.6%) and younger adults (15.9%).
Overweight/obesity was more common among women (54.8%) and adults aged 40-49 years (47.9%).
Significant pro-rich inequality for overweight/obesity was found (Concentration Index: 0.218, p < 0.001).

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 ( 0.05] but a significant pro-rich inequality for overweight/obesity (Concentration Index: 0.218, p < 0.001). Lesotho is undergoing a double burden of malnutrition, characterized by persistent underweight among men and younger adults, alongside an increasing prevalence of overweight and obesity among women and individuals in higher socioeconomic strata. Integrated, gender-sensitive, and equity-focused nutrition strategies are needed to address both forms of malnutrition. Strengthening the implementation of the national Food and Nutrition Policy and the Non-Communicable Disease Strategic Plan is essential to mitigate the rising burden of non-communicable diseases.

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Cite This Study

Mazumder et al. (Tue,) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6971bd4c642b1836717e200d https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pgph.0005555

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