20-year trends in overweight, nutrition and physical activity habits among Lithuanian population

Abstract

Abstract Background Changes in diet and physical activity can affect the prevalence of overweight. The study aimed to evaluate trends in overweight and lifestyle factors among Lithuanian population considering socio-demographic factors. Methods The data were obtained from eleven cross-sectional postal surveys of Lithuanian Health Behaviour Monitoring, carried out in 1994-2014. For every survey, a nationally representative random sample of 3000-4000 individuals aged 20-64 was drawn from the National Population Register. In total, 8738 men and 11822 women participated in these surveys. Self-reported body weight and height were used to calculate BMI. Questions about food consumption and physical activity were included in questionnaires. Results Between 1994 and 2014, the proportion of men with overweight (BMI≥25 kg/m2) increased from 47.5% to 58.6 and the proportion of men with obesity (BMI≥30 kg/m2) - from 10.7% to 19.5%. The increasing trends were observed in all socio-demographic groups. In women, the prevalence of overweight decreased from 51.7% in 1994 to 46.0% in 2014; the prevalence of obesity has not changed significantly and was 17.3% in 2014. The most remarkable decrease in BMI was observed in women of the youngest age group and with university education. Socio-demographic differences in the trends in nutrition habits were in line with changes in BMI. The highest decrease in fatty meat and milk products consumption and an increase in fresh vegetable consumption were reported by younger, highly educated and living in city women. Since 1994, the proportion of men and women having leisure-time physical activity at least four times a week has increased, however, only to 29.1% of men and 24.5% of women. Older people and those with lower education were less physically active. Conclusions Over 20 years, the prevalence of overweight increased in Lithuanian men and decreased in women. These trends were related to trends in diet and physical activity habits. Key messages Over 20 years, the increasing trends in the prevalence of overweight were observed in all socio-demographic groups of men and decreasing trends in the youngest age group and high-educated women. Positive changes in BMI were associated with improvement in food habits and physical activity level.