According to the survey, only 10 percent of Ghanaians engage in both regular exercise and a healthy diet at the same time.
Published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, the study sought to identify factors influencing physical activity and healthy eating habits among adults aged 18 and over in three major cities: Kumasi, Accra and Tamale.
It was conducted by Dr. Kingsley Agyemang, a part-time lecturer at KNUST, the research represents the most extensive data set on obesity in Ghana to date.
The study involved 3348 respondents, with an average age of 40, and specifically, 60 percent of the participants were women.
Initial findings highlighted a significant link between increased physical activity and a greater likelihood of adopting healthy eating habits.
The report stated that the statistical significance of this positive correlation indicates a clear relationship between these two behavioral choices.
Additionally, the research revealed that while men tended to be more physically active, they were less inclined to maintain a healthy diet.
A notable finding from the findings was that people who perceived being overweight as a sign of beauty, a symbol of well-being, or a hereditary factor were less likely to engage in physical activity.
Conversely, awareness of the health risks associated with obesity was associated with increased physical activity among individuals.
The study also highlighted that place of residence had the most significant relationship with physical activity. Residents of Tamale, in particular, were 26% less likely to participate in physical activity compared to those residing in Kumasi.
In terms of income and employment, findings showed that those with higher incomes (earnings >GHยข1000 per month) and those who were employed were 3-5% and 6% more likely to engage in physical activity, respectively.
Additionally, while married individuals were more likely to maintain healthy eating habits, the difference was not as pronounced compared to those who were not married.
In addition, the study showed that religion did not influence the consumption of a healthy diet.
The researchers suggest that these findings could serve as valuable insights for government and government agencies, helping them develop strategies to address unhealthy lifestyle choices in Ghana.
“Insights emerging from this analysis, revealing the nature and extent of the interaction between physical activity and diet, are crucial for the creation of targeted interventions aimed at preventing obesity in Ghana,” the researchers emphasized.