Obesity has reached epidemic proportions globally, with associated increased risks of
coronary heart disease, hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus. It is essential that nurses be
knowledgeable regarding obesity prevention and health promotion. The aim of this study was to
investigate the relation between obesity and triglycerides and blood glucose levels among
University employees in Egypt and to compare these parameters in Lower and Upper Egypt. The
study was conducted at different faculties at Lower (Banha, EI-Mansoura, Zagazig) and Upper
(Assiut) Egypt universities. Data collection tools included a structured interview questionnaire form
a physical assessment sheet and laboratory assessment of serum triglycerides and fasting blood
sugar. Data collection lasted from February to May 2005. The results revealed that significantly
more subjects in Lower Egypt had a family history of obesity (p<O.OO I) and underweight (p={).02).
More subjects in Upper Egypt exercised less than 45 minutes per week, compared to those in Lower
Egypt (p<0.00 I). Sleeping after meals and eating fast food was higher in Lower Egypt (p< 0.001),
while eating between meals was higher in Upper Egypt (p<o.OOI). The prevalence of obesity, high
waist-hip ratio, hypertension, high triglycerides and high fasting blood sugar was higher in Upper
Egypt (p<O.OOI). Statistically significant positive correlations were found between BMI and
triglycerides (r=O.50). BMI was predicted by female sex, whereas waist-hip ratio was predicted by
male gender. It is concluded that the prevalence of overweight and obesity was high among
Egyptian universities employees, particularly those in Upper Egypt, with higher levels of serum
triglycerides, glucose, and hypertension. Efforts should be made to educate the public about the
health risks of being obese and about healthy lifestyle. Nurses need education and training programs
for prevention, contro,l and management of obesity, which should also be emphasized in nursing
faculties' curricula.