Abstract
BackgroundSocioeconomic status is strongly associated with obesity. Current economic circumstances are also independently associated with self-reported weight status in Finnish civil servants. We aimed to examine three types of financial hardship in relation to measured general and central obesity in a general population of older adults, while considering conventional socioeconomic indicators.MethodsData from 10,137 participants (≥50 years) in the EPIC-Norfolk cohort who responded to a postal Health and Life Experiences Questionnaire (1996–2000) and attended a clinical assessment (1998–2002). Multivariable logistic regression models assessed likelihood of general obesity (BMI ≥30 kg/m2) and central obesity (women: ≥88 cm; men: ≥102 cm) calculated from measured anthropometrics.ResultsObesity prevalence was consistently patterned by standard socioeconomic indicators, with over-50s in the lowest social class being twice as likely to be obese than those in the highest class (women OR 2.10 [CI95: 1.41—3.13]; men OR 2.36 [1.44—3.87]). After adjustment for socioeconomic status, reporting having less than enough money for one’s needs (compared to more than enough) was associated with obesity in women (OR 2.04 [1.54—2.69]) and men (OR 1.83 [1.34—2.49]). Similar associations were demonstrated between obesity and always or often not having enough money for food/clothing (women OR 1.40 [1.03—1.90]; men OR 1.81 [1.28—2.56]), compared to reporting this never occurred. The strongest independent associations were seen for obesity and reported greatest level of difficulty paying bills (women OR 2.20 [1.37—3.55]; men 2.40 [1.38—4.17]), compared to having no difficulties. Findings for central obesity were slightly higher in women and lower in men.ConclusionsObesity in British over-50s was more likely in study participants who reported greater financial hardship, even after education, social class and home ownership were taken into account. Public health policies need to consider the hitherto neglected role of financial hardship in older people, especially difficulty paying bills, as part of strategies to prevent or reduce obesity.
Highlights
Socioeconomic status is strongly associated with obesity
Evidence from two occupational cohorts supports the notion that financial hardship reflects a distinct set of economic factors that independently impacts health beyond the reported influence exerted by conventional socioeconomic status (SES) [8,10,12,13,14,15]
11% were educated to degree-level; 14% of men and 9% of women were educated to this level
Summary
Socioeconomic status is strongly associated with obesity. Current economic circumstances are independently associated with self-reported weight status in Finnish civil servants. Obesity is one of the biggest public health challenges faced by high income countries, accounting for a large and growing disease burden (cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, some cancers) and imposing substantial cost burden on both the healthcare system and society at large [1,2,3]. Both general (weight status) and central (excess abdominal fat) obesity significantly increase a person’s risk of, for example, cardiometabolic conditions [4]. One longitudinal study of US adolescents explored separate types of financial hardship and found suggestive evidence that having trouble paying bills may be related to obesity in women, but not men [17]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
