Socioeconomic Determinants Associated With Overweight and Obesity in Adults in Southern Tehran: A Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Overweight and obesity represent major public health challenges shaped by social, economic, behavioral, and environmental determinants. This study aimed to identify socioeconomic factors associated with overweight and obesity among adults living in southern Tehran in order to inform targeted, context-specific prevention strategies. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 800 adults aged 18-64 years selected through stratified random sampling from 28 comprehensive health service centers affiliated with Tehran University of Medical Sciences. Data were collected via structured telephone interviews using a validated questionnaire. Anthropometric measures were self-reported. Statistical analyses included χ 2 tests and binary multiple logistic regression. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated, using a two-sided significance level of 0.05. RESULTS: Overweight and obesity were significantly associated with age, gender, marital status, educational attainment, employment status, economic status, place of residence, physical activity, and active transportation. Higher economic status was associated with increased odds of overweight/obesity (high: AOR = 2.04; moderate: AOR = 1.52). In contrast, higher levels of physical activity and active transportation showed inverse association with overweight and obesity. No significant associations were observed with private vehicle ownership, access to parks and green spaces, housing conditions, or access to physician and nutritionist services. CONCLUSION: Socioeconomic determinants play a pivotal role in shaping overweight and obesity among adults in southern Tehran. Modifiable factors, particularly physical activity and active transportation, should be prioritized in obesity prevention strategies. Public health policies aimed at enhancing neighborhood safety, improving walking and cycling infrastructure, and increasing awareness of lifestyle-related risks may contribute to reducing obesity prevalence in socioeconomically diverse urban settings. Importantly, effective and sustainable implementation of these measures requires strong political commitment and intersectoral collaboration across health, transportation, urban planning, and community development sectors.