Sociodemographic and behavioral factors of pre-obesity and obesity among adult Russians

Abstract

Based on data from the 2021 Sample Population Health Survey, the paper assesses the prevalence and socio-demographic and behavioral risk factors of pre-obesity and obesity among the adult population of Russia. A standard approach for epidemiological studies was used: body weight was assessed using the Body Mass Index (BMI). The influence of risk factors was determined by logistic regressions. It was revealed that the average BMI value among men is 26.9 kg/m2 and among women - 26.8 kg/m2. At the age of 18 and over, 67.2% of men and 57.9% of women are overweight, and 19.5% of men and 24.9% of women are obese. The prevalence of overweight and obesity increases with age but decreases after age 75. There is a relationship between pre-obesity and eating habits of men and women: frequent consumption of foods high in salt, sausage and meat products, and sweets. Obesity in men is associated with the same factors as pre-obesity. Among women, the consumption of sweets and smoked meat products ceases to have a significant effect on the likelihood of obesity. A comparison of our results with the results of previous studies makes it possible to conclude that there is no significant change in the prevalence of overweight and obesity among Russians. A sustainable influence of behavioral and eating habits allows us to conclude that it is necessary to conduct a state awareness campaign about components of a healthy lifestyle and develop measures to increase commitment to physical education, sports, and healthy eating among the population.