Assessment of the Dietary Habits and Body Weight Status of Civil Servants in Minna, Niger State, North Central Nigeria

The relationship between dietary habits and body weight status among working adults has attracted growing attention in the context of rising non-communicable disease burden in Nigeria. Civil servants represent a significant proportion of the urban working population and are increasingly exposed to sedentary lifestyles and unhealthy dietary patterns. This study assessed dietary habits and body weight status among civil servants in Minna, Niger State, North Central Nigeria. A cross-sectional descriptive design was used, with 260 civil servants selected through stratified random sampling across five ministries. Dietary habits were assessed using a food frequency questionnaire, while anthropometric measurements were taken to calculate body mass index. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation. Results revealed that a high proportion of respondents consumed fatty, fried, and sugar-sweetened foods frequently, while fruits, vegetables, and whole grains were consumed less than twice per week on average. Over 45 percent of respondents were classified as overweight or obese based on BMI values. A significant positive correlation was established between high dietary fat and sugar intake and elevated BMI. The study recommends workplace nutrition education, subsidised healthy meal options in government cafeterias, and periodic health screenings for civil servants in Niger State. Keywords: dietary habits, body weight, BMI, civil servants, Minna