Evolution of the Prevalence of Obesity in the Workers of a General Hospital in Mexico

Objective: The objective of this study was to compare the prevalence of overweight and obesity in the first Prevalencia de factores de nesso cardiovascular en Trabajadores survey (1994) with the prevalence of overweight and obesity observed in the second survey (1996). Research Methods and Procedures: For both surveys the following individual data were collected: age, sex, weight, height, and body mass index (BMI). The 1994 survey included 2383 people and the 1996 survey included 2759 people. The degree of BMI was classified according to the current World Health Organization definitions. The population was divided by gender and age group, and the prevalence of each level of overweight was calculated. Additionally, the prevalence of different cutoff levels of BMI was calculated by gender and age groups. Results: The global prevalence of age‐adjusted overweight increased from 26.91% to 37.45%. This increase was observed in both genders but the men had a higher increase from 24.51% to 40.21%. Overweight was more frequent in men than in women in all age groups. Male overweight prevalence was higher in the 40‐ to 59‐year‐old group and ≥60‐year‐old group. Female overweight prevalence was predominant in the 30‐ to 39‐year‐old, 40‐ to 49‐year‐old, and 50‐ to 59‐year‐old groups. Global prevalence of obesity (≥30 kg/m²) changed from 13.8% to 17.2%. Particularly, global prevalence of obesity class I increased from 9.66% to 12.6%; in men this figure increased from 9.04% to 13.05% and in women from 9.9% to 12.71%. Discussion: Prevalence of overweight and obesity has increased significantly in the studied population. It is necessary to implement lifestyle modifications to prevent the increase of prevalence of overweight and obesity.     

Trends in the prevalence of overweight and obesity among young Australians, 1985, 1997, and 2004

Objective: To determine secular trends in overweight/obesity among 7‐ to 15‐year‐olds for the periods 1985, 1997, and 2004. Research Method and Procedures: Data from representative surveys conducted in New South Wales, Australia, in 1985, 1997, and 2004 were analyzed. Height and weight were measured, and BMI categories were created using International Obesity Task Force definitions. Students were grouped as Grades 2 + 4 + 6 and 8 + 10. Results: The prevalences of overweight/obesity for 1985, 1997, and 2004 were 10.9%, 20.6%, and 25.7% among the younger boys and 10.6%, 19.5%, and 26.1% among the older boys. The average annual rate of increase for 1985 to 1997 was 0.81% and for 1997 to 2004 was 0.73% among the younger boys and was 0.74% and 0.94% for the two periods among the older boys. The prevalences of overweight/obesity in 1985, 1997, and 2004 were 14.0%, 22.0%, and 24.8% among the younger girls and 8.3%, 17.9%, and 19.8% among the older girls, respectively. The average annual rates of increase for the two periods were 0.8% and 0.4% among the younger girls and 0.80% and 0.27% among the older girls. Change in the prevalence of overweight/obesity and socioeconomic status were not associated. Discussion: Over the period 1985 to 1997, the prevalence of overweight and obesity increased significantly among the younger and older boys and the younger girls. The prevalence of overweight, but not obesity, increased among the older girls over this period. Over the period 1997 to 2004, the prevalence of overweight/obesity combined increased significantly among boys of both age groups but not among girls.     

Obesity and Overweight Prevalence in Polish 7‐ to 9‐Year‐Old Children

Objective: Secular trend in childhood obesity is a well‐known phenomenon, and it is important to monitor it in cross‐sectional studies. The study aim was to estimate prevalence of obesity and overweight in Polish 7‐ to 9‐year‐old children and to compare the results with a French study based on the same protocol. Research Methods and Procedures: The study was conducted in 2001 according to the protocol of the European Childhood Obesity Group. Height and weight were measured, and BMI was calculated to define nutritional status in a randomly selected group of 2916 (1445 girls and 1471 boys) primary school children. Obesity and overweight were estimated according to International Obesity Task Force references with curve for obesity and overweight passing through 30 and 25 kg/m² at age 18, respectively. Results: Overweight (including obesity) was found in 15.4% of Polish children (in 15.8% of girls and 15.0% of boys) and obesity in 3.6% (3.7% of girls and 3.6% of boys) compared with 18.1% of overweight and 3.8% of obese children in French study. There was no significant difference in nutrition status between Polish and French children except for higher frequency of overweight in French 9‐year‐old boys. The same trend of decreasing overweight through age classes was observed in both populations. Discussion: The prevalence of obesity and overweight (including obesity) in prepubertal children estimated in two European countries according to the same protocol and using the same references showed little differences between the two populations despite higher prevalence of obesity in Polish than French adults.     

Eleven‐year Prevalence Trends of Obesity in Greek Children: First Evidence that Prevalence of Obesity Is Leveling Off

We examined 11‐year (1997–2007) trends in underweight, overweight, and obesity in Greek children. Population data derived from a yearly, school‐based health survey carried out between 1997 and 2007 in >80% of all Greek schools. Height and weight measurements from 651,582 children, aged 8–9 years (boys: 51.2%) were analyzed. The gender‐ and age‐specific BMI cutoff points by the International Obesity Task Force (IOTF) were used in order to define underweight, normal weight, overweight, and obesity. Trend analysis showed an increase in the prevalence of obesity from 7.2 ± 0.2% in 1997 to 11.3 ± 0.2% in 2004 for girls (P < 0.001) and from 8.1 ± 0.2% in 1997 to 12.3 ± 0.2% in 2004 for boys (P < 0.001). An apparent leveling off in obesity rates was observed during 2004–2007 for both boys and girls. The prevalence of overweight rose between 1997 and 2007 from 20.2 ± 0.2% to 26.7 ± 0.2% for girls (P < 0.001) and from 19.6 ± 0.2% to 26.5 ± 0.2% for boys (P < 0.001). The overall prevalence of thinness in the same period remained constant in both sexes. The presented population‐based data revealed that the prevalence of overweight and obesity among 8‐ to 9‐year‐old Greek children is alarmingly elevated, with the overweight rates rising continuously. However, an apparent leveling off in obesity rates for the past 4 consecutive years was documented for the first time in both genders.     

Geographic and Demographic Variation in the Prevalence of Overweight Canadian Children

Objective : To examine the geographic and demographic variation in the prevalence of overweight Canadian children. Research Methods and Procedures : Using BMI data from the 1981 Canada Fitness Survey and the 1996 National Longitudinal Survey of Children and Youth, this study assessed: 1) the prevalence of overweight and obesity among Canadian boys and girls ages 7 to 13 years; 2) secular trends in the prevalence of overweight from 1981 to 1996, by province and adjusted for age and sex; and 3) provincial variation in the prevalence of overweight, before and after adjusting for socioeconomic and demographic characteristics. Results : The prevalence of boys and girls classified as overweight in 1996 was 33% and 26%, respectively. The corresponding figures for obesity were 10% for boys and 9% for girls. Provincial variation was observed with a trend of increasing risk of being overweight from west to east. Socioeconomic status was inversely related to the prevalence of overweight regardless of geographic region. The risk of being overweight was more related to geography (province) than demographic variables (income and family background); however, the effect of secular trends (1981 to 1996) exceeded the effect of geographic or demographic variables. Discussion : The prevalence of childhood overweight and obesity is increasing in all areas of Canada and can be explained only partially by geographic or demographic characteristics.     

Trends in Overweight and Obesity in Portugal: The National Health Surveys 1995–6 and 1998–9

Objective: To assess overweight and obesity trends in the Portuguese population. Research Methods and Procedures: National Health Surveys, conducted in 1995–6 (17, 989 men; 20, 249 women) and 1998–9 (17, 923 men; 20, 302 women), were used. Results: In men, the prevalence of overweight and obesity increased from 39.9% (95% CI: 39.2 to 40.6) and 10.3% (95% CI: 9.9 to 10.7), respectively, in 1995–6, to 42.5% (95% CI: 41.8 to 43.2) and 11.5% (95% CI: 11.0 to 12.0), respectively, in 1998–9. In women, prevalence of obesity increased from 12.7% (95% CI: 12.2 to 13.2) in 1995–6 to 14.2% (95% CI: 13.7 to 14.6) in 1998–9, whereas the prevalence of overweight remained stable: 32.2% (95% CI: 31.6 to 32.9) in 1995–6 and 32.3% (95% CI: 31.6 to 32.9) in 1998–9. In men, prevalence of overweight and obesity were higher among former smokers and educational group of 6 to 12 years, and prevalence of obesity was higher in the Lisbon region. In women, prevalence of overweight and obesity were higher among never smokers, and prevalence of obesity was higher among educational group of ?6 years. Prevalence of obesity was higher in the Alentejo region, and overweight was higher in the Center region. Finally, prevalence of obesity increased in both sexes for all strata studied (age, smoking status, educational level, and geographic region), whereas prevalence of overweight increased only in men. Discussion: In Portugal, overweight and obesity levels are related to sociodemographic factors; the increase in obesity levels stresses the need for preventive measures.     

Increase in the Prevalence of Obesity in Switzerland 1982–2007: Birth Cohort Analysis Puts Recent Slowdown into Perspective

Although the prevalence of obesity continues to increase in Switzerland, the latest figures suggest a slowdown in the rate of increase. In order to elucidate whether this could be the onset of a trend reversal, we analyzed cross‐sectional data by birth cohort. We assessed the prevalence of overweight+ (BMI ≥25 kg/m²) and obesity (BMI ≥30 kg/m²) in six population surveys with self‐reported height and weight values (Switzerland, N = 68,829, 1982–2007, men (45%) and women (55%), aged 20–84 years) by 10‐year birth cohorts (from the decade 1910–1919 through to 1970–1979). We found that increases in the prevalence of overweight+ and obesity occurred mainly in the cohort born 1930 to 1939, and again in the cohorts born 1960 to 1979. The accelerated increase in the prevalence of overweight+ in the youngest birth cohort and the lower prevalence in the oldest birth cohorts suggest that the current slowdown seen in Switzerland may not herald the onset of a trend reversal. As this example shows, simple comparisons of prevalence rates over time could provide a misleading picture of actual trends. Birth cohort analysis may offer a valuable alternative.     

Prevalence of overweight and obesity in 2- to 6-year-old Italian children

Objective: To assess the prevalence of overweight and obesity in 2‐ to 6‐year‐old Italian children and to compare the prevalence between the north and the south of the country. Research Methods and Procedures: This was a cross‐sectional study of 2150 subjects (M/F: 1137/1013), 5.36 ± 0.83 years of age. The sampling areas were Verona (north Italy) and Messina (south Italy). We used definitions of overweight and obesity using BMI values, with cut‐off values proposed by the International Obesity Task Force. Results: The prevalence of overweight was 16.6% (males: 13.9%, females: 19.6%), and it was higher in the south (males: 17.8%, females: 22.4%) than in the north (males: 11.3%, females: 17.9%). The prevalence of obesity was 8.0% (males: 8.3%, females: 7.7%), and it was higher in the south (males: 12.3%, females: 10.7%) than in the north (males: 5.7%, females: 5.8%). Using the Centers for Disease Control reference charts, the prevalence of overweight and obesity of Italian children was close to that reported in children living in the United States (32% vs. 32.7%, respectively). Discussion: The prevalence of overweight and obesity in young Italian children is very high, and it is rapidly growing. In the south of the country, the prevalence is higher than in the north.     

Prevalence of Obesity and Associated Risk Factors in a Turkish Population (Trabzon City,Turkey)

Objective: To estimate the prevalence of overweight and obesity (general and central) in the Trabzon Region and its associations with demographic factors (age, sex, marital status, reproductive history in women, and level of education), socioeconomic factors (household income and occupation), family history of selected medical conditions (diabetes, hypertension, and obesity), lifestyle factors (smoking habits, physical activity, and alcohol consumption), and hypertension in the adult population. Research Methods and Procedures: A sample of households was systematically selected from the central province of Trabzon and its five towns, namely, Sürmene, Vakfikebir, Maçka, Hayrat, and Tonya. A total of 5016 subjects (2728 women and 2288 men) were included in the study. Individuals more than 20 years old were selected from their family health cards. Demographic factors, socioeconomic factors, family history of selected medical conditions, and lifestyle factors were obtained for all participants. Systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure levels were measured for all subjects. Study procedures were carried out in the local health centers in each town over an 8‐month period. Obesity was defined as BMI ≥ 30 kg/m² and overweight as BMI = 25.0 to 29.9 kg/m². Results: The prevalence of obesity was 23.5%: 29.4% in women and 16.5% in men. The combined prevalence of both overweight and obesity was 60.3%. The prevalence of abdominal obesity was 29.4%: 38.9% among women and 18.1% among men. The prevalence of obesity increased with age, being highest in the 60‐ to 69‐year‐old age group (40.8%) but lower again in the 70+ age group. Obesity was associated positively with marital status, parity, cessation of cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption, and household income and inversely with level of education, cigarette use, and physical activity. Also, obesity was associated positively with hypertension. Discussion: In the Trabzon Region, 60.3% of the adult population presents with some excess weight. Obesity is a major public health problem that requires generalized interventions to prevent it among the adult population.     

Prevalence and Covariates of Obesity in Lebanon: Findings from the First Epidemiological Study

Objective: To estimate the prevalence of overweight and obesity and examine associated covariates in the Lebanese population. Research Methods and Procedures: A cross‐sectional survey of a representative sample of 2104 individuals, 3 years of age and older. Anthropometric measurements and dietary assessments were conducted following standard methods and techniques. Overweight and obesity (classes I to III) were defined according to internationally standardized criteria for classification of BMI. Results: For children 3 to 19 years of age, prevalence rates of overweight and obesity were higher overall for boys than girls (22.5% vs. 16.1% and 7.5% vs. 3.2%, respectively). For adult men and women (age ≥ 20 years), the prevalence of overweight was 57.7% and 49.4%, respectively. In contrast, obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m²) was higher overall among women (18.8%) than men (14.3%), a trend that became more evident with increasing obesity class. BMI, percentage of body fat, and waist circumference increased to middle age and declined thereafter. Whereas lack of exercise associated significantly with obesity among children, obesity in older adults was more prevalent among the least educated, nonsmokers, and those reporting a family history of obesity. Discussion: The results from this national population‐based study in Lebanon show high prevalence rates of overweight and obesity comparable with those observed in developed countries such as the United States. While further studies are needed to examine the underlying social and cultural factors associated with lifestyle and nutritional habits, now is the time to institute multicomponent interventions promoting physical activity and weight control nationwide.     

Trends in overweight and obesity in Chinese adults: between 1991 and 1999-2000

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate trends in BMI and the prevalence of overweight (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m²) and obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m²) between 1991 and 1999–2000 among Chinese adults. Methods and Procedures: In this study, two population‐based samples of Chinese adults aged between 45 and 79 years (n = 7,858 during each period), and comparable in the distributions of age, gender, degree of urbanization, and region (North/South) were used. Height and weight were measured using identical procedures at each period, and BMI was calculated as weight (in kilogram) divided by height (in square meter). Results: From 1991 to 1999–2000, the mean BMI increased from 21.8 to 23.4 kg/m² among men and from 21.8 to 23.5 kg/m² among women (each P < 0.001). Among men, the prevalence of overweight and obesity increased from 9.6 and 0.6%, respectively, in 1991 to 20.0 and 3.0%, respectively, in 1999–2000 (each P < 0.001). Among women, the prevalence of overweight and obesity increased from 14.5 and 1.8%, respectively, in 1991 to 26.5 and 5.2%, respectively, in 1999–2000 (each P < 0.001). The prevalence of overweight and obesity increased in all age groups, in rural and urban areas, and in North and South China, with greater relative increases in obesity among older age groups, South China, and rural areas (P interaction < 0.05). Discussion: Overweight and obesity increased tremendously during the 1990s in China. These data underscore the need for national programs in weight maintenance and reduction, to prevent obesity‐related outcomes in China.     

Waist-to-height ratio is an accurate and easier index for evaluating obesity in children and adolescents

Objectives: The present study aims to evaluate the accuracy of the index of waist‐to‐height ratio (WHTR), and proposed the optimal thresholds of WHTR in the definition of childhood overweight and obesity in a bi‐ethnic Chinese school‐aged population. Research Methods and Procedures: Overweight and obese were identified by BMI for age and gender in a random sample including 2055 Han and 2132 Uygur ethnic school‐aged children (8 to 18 years old). WHTR was calculated by waist circumference divided by height on the basis of standard anthropometric measurements. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses were performed to assess the accuracy of WHTR as a diagnostic test for childhood overweight and obesity, compared with waist circumference. The optimal thresholds of WHTR for defining overweight and obesity were recommended respectively by gender. The correlation between WHTR and age was analyzed and compared with BMI. Results: A‐values (area under curve) of WHTR for diagnosing overweight and obesity were both over 0.90 in both genders and better than those of waist circumference. A threshold of 0.445 was identified for overweight in both genders, with the sensitivity and specificity >0.80. The thresholds for defining obesity was 0.485 in boys and 0.475 in girls, both having the sensitivity and specificity >0.90. WHTR showed less association with age than BMI. Conclusions: WHTR is a simple, easy, accurate, and non‐age‐dependent index with high applicability to screening overweight and obesity in children and adolescents. The use of WHTR in the general childhood population has been justified by this study.     

Stability of the Association between Birth Weight and Childhood Overweight during the Development of the Obesity Epidemic

Objective: To assess whether changes in the birth weight distribution or changes in the association of birth weight with the later risk of childhood overweight have contributed to the development of the obesity epidemic. Research Methods and Procedures: A Danish population‐based cohort study of 124,615 girls and 128,346 boys (ages 6 to 13 years), born between 1936 and 1983, were studied. Birth weight and annual measurements of height and weight were obtained from school health records. Overweight was defined by BMI in relation to internationally accepted criteria. The relative risk of being overweight by birth weight was calculated separately for each age, sex, and time period. Results: The birth weight distribution remained relatively stable over time. Compared with children with a birth weight of 3.0 to 3.5 kg, the risk of overweight increased consistently with each increase in birth weight category among girls and boys and at all ages between 6 and 13 years. Furthermore, the association between birth weight and increased risk of overweight in childhood remained stable across a 48‐year period. Discussion: The increase in the prevalence of overweight could not be explained by time trends in the distribution of birth weight or by changes in the association between birth weight and the later risk of overweight over time. This implies that, unless the prenatal environment influences the later risk of overweight without increasing birth weight, the environmental influences contributing to the obesity epidemic in children of school age operate in the early postnatal period.     

Prevalence of obesity in elementary schoolchildren living in Northeast Attica, Greece

Objective: To assess the prevalence of obesity and obesity trend in schoolchildren living in Northeast Attica, Greece. Research Methods and Procedures: Mean (standard deviation) and median weight and BMI were calculated in 4131 (2054 boys and 2077 girls) 6‐ to 11‐year‐old Greek schoolchildren living in Northeast Attica between November 2003 and April 2004. Two hundred thirty‐six (95 boys, 141 girls) immigrant children also participated in the study. The secular trend for obesity was determined comparing our data with those of a similar study performed in 1994. Results: Of boys, 27.8% were overweight, and 12.3% were obese. For girls, the corresponding values were 26.5% for overweight and 9.9% for obesity. There was an increase in the prevalence of overweight and obesity in the last 10 years in both sexes. For boys, overweight increased by 4.2% and obesity by 2.9%, whereas, for girls, overweight increased by 3.8% and obesity by 1.6%. Overweight and obesity were less prevalent in the immigrant children compared with their Greek peers. For immigrant boys, overweight was 15.9% and obesity was 7.9%, and for immigrant girls, overweight was 15.2% and obesity was 8.7%. Discussion: Greek schoolchildren living in Northeast Attica present a high prevalence of overweight and obesity and a positive secular change in the prevalence of obesity.     

Secular Trends in Prevalence of Overweight and Obesity among Adults in Rural Tianjin,China from 1991 to 2011: A Population-Based Study

Objectives

Obesity is associated with cardiovascular diseases and has become the main public health issue in western countries and urban China. However, the prevalence and secular trends of obesity in rural China are currently unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate secular trends in the prevalence of overweight and obesity among rural adults in northern China between 1991 and 2011.

Method

The prevalence of overweight and obesity was assessed in adults aged 35–74 years living in a rural area in northern China by comparing two surveys that were conducted in 1991 and 2011, respectively.

Result

The age-adjusted prevalence of overweight increased from 24.5% in 1991 to 42.0% in 2011, and the prevalence of obesity increased from 5.7% in 1991 to 19.6% in 2011. Over the 21-year period, there were significant increases in the prevalence of overweight and obesity for both men and women in all age groups; however, the greatest increase was observed in men aged 35–44 years, with an 10.3-fold increase in obesity prevalence. The prevalence of obesity increased significantly in all risk factors categories, including education levels, blood pressure categories, diabetes previous history, current smoking situation and alcohol drinking situation over the past 21 years overall (p<0.05). The greatest increase in obesity prevalence appeared among those who consumed alcohol (increased by 8.0-fold). Next, there was a 5.3-fold increase in the prevalence of obesity in illiterate residents.

Conclusion

The prevalence of overweight and obesity has increased rapidly among rural adults in Tianjin over the past 21 years, with the most dramatic increase observed in young men. Therefore, the burden of obesity should serve as a call for action.     

Trends in obesity and associations with education and urban or rural residence in Thailand

Objective: To measure trends in the prevalence of overweight and obesity and the relationship with urban or rural residence and education in Thailand. Research Methods and Procedures: Data were from two nationally representative surveys of 38,323 individuals ≥18 years old (19,156 were 18 to 59 years old) in 2004 and 3375 individuals 18 to 59 years old in 1997. Overweight and obesity were defined using the World Health Organization's Asian criteria. Results: Among those ≥18 years old in 2004, 17.8% of men (95% confidence interval, 16.6% to 19.0%) were overweight, 18.4% (17.3% to 19.5%) had Class I obesity, 4.8% (4.1% to 5.5%) had Class II obesity, and 15.9% (14.6% to 17.1%) had abdominal obesity. In women, 18.2% (17.1% to 19.2%) were overweight, 26.1% (24.9% to 27.3%) had Class I obesity, 9.3% (8.6% to 10.0%) had Class II obesity, and 37.3% (35.3% to 39.2%) had abdominal obesity. In those 18 to 59 years old, the prevalence of Class I obesity in men and all four categories in women significantly increased between 1997 and 2004. There was an inverse relationship in women but a positive relationship in men between education and the odds of being overweight or obese. In 2004, there were significantly lower odds of being overweight or obese in rural compared with urban men but similar odds between urban and rural women. Discussion: The prevalence of overweight and obesity in Thailand is high and increasing. Although the transition of overweight and obesity to those of lower socioeconomic status is not complete, it is well on the way.     

Are Social Inequalities Widening in Generalised and Abdominal Obesity and Overweight among English Adults?

Background

Obesity is now more common in lower socioeconomic groups in developed nations, but the socio-economic patterning of obesity has changed over time. This study examines the time trends in the socioeconomic patterning of generalised and abdominal obesity and overweight in English adults.

Methods

Data were from core annual samples of the Health Survey for England 1993–2008, including 155 661 participants aged 18–75 years. The prevalence of generalised and abdominal obesity and overweight was reported as crude and age-adjusted estimates. Binomial regression was used to model measures of obesity and overweight with age, sex, survey years, and two indicators of socioeconomic position: Registrar General’s Social Class (manual and non-manual occupational groups) and relative length of full time education. Trends in socioeconomic patterning were assessed by formal tests for interactions between socioeconomic position measures and survey periods in these models.

Results

The prevalence of generalised and abdominal overweight and obesity increased consistently between 1993 and 2008. There were significant differences in the four outcomes between the two socioeconomic position (SEP) groups in men and women, except for generalised and abdominal overweight with social class in men. The prevalence of obesity and overweight across the whole period was higher in subgroups with lower SEP (differences of 0.2% to 9.5%). There was no significant widening of the socioeconomic gradient of most indicators of greater body fat since the early 1990s, except for educational gradient in generalised obesity in men and women (P = 0.001).

Conclusions

Substantial social class and education gradients in obesity and overweight are still present in both sexes. However, there is limited evidence that these socioeconomic inequalities have changed since 1993.     

Dramatic Rise in Overweight and Obesity in Adult Filipino Women and Risk of Hypertension

Objective:To assess trends in BMI of adult Filipino women over a 16‐year period of rapid socioeconomic change; to identify factors associated with those trends; and to estimate the risk of hypertension associated with overweight, obesity, and high waist‐to‐hip ratio (WHR). Research Methods and Procedures:Women from randomly selected urban and rural communities of Metro Cebu, Philippines were recruited during a 1983 to 1984 index pregnancy, then followed prospectively for 16 years. Overweight and obesity were defined using BMI cut‐off points of 25 and 30, respectively. The analysis sample included women 15 to 45 years of age when measured 4 months postpartum. Weight change in subsequent intervals from 1985 to 1999 was modeled using linear regression. The relationship of BMI and WHR to risk of hypertension in the last survey was modeled using logistic regression. Results:The prevalence of overweight and obesity combined increased nearly 6‐fold from ～6% in 1983 to 1984 to 35% in 1998 to 1999. Weight gain was positively associated with urban residence, improved socioeconomic status, fewer pregnancies and months of lactation, and more away‐from‐home work hours. Risk of hypertension was independently elevated by high WHR and overweight/obesity. Discussion:The dramatic trend of increasing overweight and obesity in this sample of women represents a serious health concern, especially in light of the strong association of excess weight, particularly in the truncal region, to risk of hypertension.     

Overweight,Obesity, and Binge Eating in a Non‐clinical Sample of Five Brazilian Cities

Objective: To investigate the relationship between obesity/overweight and binge eating episodes (BEEs) in a large nonclinical population. Research Methods and Procedures: Consumers at shopping centers in five Brazilian cities (N = 2858) who participated in an overweight prevention program were interviewed and had weight and height measured to calculate BMI. Results: Prevalence of overweight (BMI = 25 to 29.9 kg/m²) was 46.6% for men and 36.6% for women. Obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m²) was about two‐thirds of the prevalence of overweight. BEEs (subjects who binged one or more times per week over the last 3 months) in normal‐weight individuals was 1.4% for men and 3.9% for women, whereas in overweight/obese, these prevalences were 6.5% and 5.5%, respectively (p < 0.01). After adjustment for age, socioeconomic variables, and childhood obesity, those who reported BEEs had an odds ratio of being overweight/obese of 3.31 (95% confidence interval: 1.11 to 9.85) for men and 1.73 (95% confidence interval: 1.05 to 2.84) for women. Discussion: These findings indicate a strong association between episodes of binge eating and overweight/obesity, mainly among men.     

Major Increase in Prevalence of Overweight and Obesity between 1987 and 2001 among Danish Adults

Objective: The aim of the study was to examine the secular trends in the prevalence of obesity (BMI ≥ 30.0 kg/m²) and overweight (25.0 ≤ BMI < 30.0 kg/m²) in Danish adults between 1987 and 2001. Research Methods and Procedures: The study included self‐reported weight and height of 10, 094 men and 9897 women 16 to 98 years old, collected in a series of seven independent cross‐sectional surveys. Prevalence and changes in prevalence of obesity and overweight stratified by sex and age groups were determined Results: The prevalence of obesity more than doubled between 1987 and 2001, in men from 5.6% to 11.8% [odds ratio (OR) = 2.3, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.9 to 2.8, p < 0.0001] and in women from 5.4% to 12.5% (OR = 2.6, 95% CI = 2.1 to 3.2, p < 0.0001), with the largest increase among the 16‐ to 29‐year‐old subjects (men, from 0.8% to 7.5%, OR = 10.2, 95% CI = 4.1 to 25.3, p < 0.0001; women, from 1.4% to 9.0% OR = 7.0, 95% CI = 3.5 to 14.1, p < 0.0001). Between 1987 and 2001, the prevalence of overweight increased from 34% to 40% in men and from 17% to 27% in women. Discussion: The prevalence of overweight and obesity in Denmark has increased substantially between 1987 and 2001, particularly among young adults, a development that resembles that of other countries. There is clearly a need for early preventive efforts in childhood to limit the number of obesity‐related complications in young adults.