Prevalence and trends in overweight and obesity among Chinese adults in 2004–10: data from three nationwide surveys in China

Abstract

BackgroundObesity has become a global epidemic and is a common risk factor for many chronic diseases. Few data for the prevalence and trends in overweight and obesity in Chinese adults have been obtained over the past decade. We aimed to estimate changes in the prevalence of overweight and obesity in Chinese adults aged 18–69 years during 2004–10. MethodsWe used data from three nationwide surveys of Chinese adults in 2004, 2007, and 2010. Participants were selected using a complex, multistage random sampling method to be representative of the general adult population in China. Prevalence was standardised by the direct method to the 2010 Census population. Overweight was defined as a body-mass index (BMI) of 25·0–29·9 kg/m2, and obesity was defined as BMI 30·0 kg/m2 or above. Central obesity was defined as waist circumference of 90 cm or above in men and 80 cm or above in women. The study protocol was approved by the ethical review committee of the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention. FindingsMean BMI in Chinese adults aged 18–69 years increased from 22·7 kg/m2 (95% CI 22·5–23·0) in 2004 to 23·0 kg/m2 (22·8–23·2) in 2007 and 23·7 kg/m2 (23·6–23·9) in 2010. Mean waist circumference in Chinese adults aged 18–69 years increased from 78·4 cm (77·7–79·2) in 2004 to 79·1 cm (78·5–79·8) in 2007 and 80·2 cm (79·6–80·7) in 2010. The prevalence of overweight increased from 19·6% (95% CI 17·7–21·5) in 2004 to 21·7% (20·1–23·3) in 2007 and 28·0% (26·7–29·2) in 2010. The prevalence of obesity was 3·3% (2·6–3·9) in 2004, 3·1% (2·6–3·5) in 2007, and 5·2% (4·7–5·8) in 2010. The prevalence of central obesity increased from 25·9% (23·5–28·2) in 2004 to 27·5% (25·4–29·5) in 2007 and 32·3% (30·4–34·2) in 2010. The increase was more evident in men, young adults (aged 18–39 years), and in developed regions than in women, older adults (aged 40–69 years), and in less developed regions, respectively. InterpretationThe prevalence of overweight and obesity has increased substantially in Chinese adults during 2004–10. National strategies and programmes are urgently needed to address the challenges of the growing obesity epidemic in China. FundingChinese Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Health, and Ministry of Science and Technology.