Prevalence Of General Obesity Research Articles

Ethnic differences in prevalence of general obesity and abdominal obesity among low-income rural Kazakh and Uyghur adults in far western China and implications in preventive public health.

BackgroundThe global pandemic of obesity has become a disastrous public health issue that needs urgent attention. Previous studies have concentrated in high-income urban settings and few cover low-income rural settings especially nomadic residents in mountain areas. This study focused on low-income rural and nomadic minority people residing in China’s far west and investigated their prevalence and ethnic differences of obesity.MethodsA questionnaire-based survey and physical examination of 8,036 individuals were conducted during 2009–2010, using stratified cluster random sampling method in nomadic Kazakhs and rural Uyghur residents (≥18 years old) in 18 villages, Xinjiang, China, about 4,407 km away from capital Beijing. Obesity was defined by BMI and WC.ResultsThe overall prevalence of general and abdominal obesity in Kazakh adults were 18.3% and 60.0%, respectively and in Uyghur, 7.6% and 54.5%, respectively. Female’s prevalence of obesity was higher than male’s for general obesity (45–54 age group in Uyghur, P = 0.041) and abdominal obesity (≥55 years in Kazakhs, P55∼ = 0.010, P65∼ = 0.001; and ≥18 years in Uyghurs, P<0.001). Kazakh’s prevalence of obesity was higher than Uyghur’s (general obesity: ≥35 years, P<0.001; abdominal obesity: ≥25 years in males and ≥65 years in females, P<0.01). The prevalence of obesity increased after 18 years old and subsequently decreased after 55 years old. Meat consumption, older age, and female gender had a higher risk of obesity in these two minorities.ConclusionsBoth general and abdominal obesity were common in rural ethnic Kazakhs and Uyghurs. The prevalence rates were different in these two minorities depending on ethnicity, gender, and age. Kazakhs, females and elderly people may be prioritized in prevention of obesity in western China. Because of cost-effectiveness in measuring BMI and WC, we recommend that BMI and WC be integrated into local preventive policies in public health toward screening obesity and related diseases in low-income rural minorities.

Adherence to the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet in relation to obesity among Iranian female nurses.

Limited observational studies have considered habitual consumption of the general population to examine the relationship between the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet and obesity. The aim of the present study was to investigate adherence to the DASH diet in relation to general and central obesity among female nurses in Isfahan, Iran. Cross-sectional study carried out among 293 female nurses aged >30 years who were selected by a multistage, cluster random sampling method. Usual dietary intakes were assessed using a validated FFQ. We constructed the DASH score based on foods and nutrients emphasized or minimized in the DASH diet, focusing on eight components: high intake of fruits, vegetables, nuts and legumes, low-fat dairy products and whole grains and low intakes of sodium, sweetened beverages, and red and processed meats. General and abdominal obesity were defined as BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2 and waist circumference ≥ 88 cm, respectively. Isfahan, Iran. Female nurses (n 293) aged >30 years. Increased adherence to the DASH diet was associated with older age (P<0.01) and lower waist circumference (P=0.04). There was no statistically significant difference in the prevalence of general obesity between extreme quartiles of the DASH diet score. After adjustment for age, energy intake and other confounding factors, DASH diet score was not significantly associated with obesity. However, with further controlling for other dietary factors, those in the highest quartile of DASH diet score were 71 % less likely to have general obesity compared with those in the lowest quartile. In addition, following a DASH diet was inversely associated with central obesity after adjustment for potential confounders (OR=0.37; 95 % CI 0.14, 0.96). We found that adherence to the DASH diet was inversely related to central obesity among Iranian adult females. This association remained significant even after adjustment for potential confounders.

HIGH PREVALENCE OF GENERAL AND ABDOMINAL OBESITY AND RELATIONSHIP OF OBESITY WITH DIABETES MELLITUS IN PATIENTS WITH PSYCHIATRIC DISORDERS

Objective and Methods: Obesity and obesity-associated diabetes are serious health concerns in patients with psychiatric disorders. We compared the prevalence's of general obesity and abdominal obesity in 337 patients with psychiatric disorders and evaluated the risk of both types of obesity for diabetes mellitus in patients with psychiatric disorders.Results: In patients with psychiatric disorders, the prevalence's of general obesity and abdominal obesity were very high especially in females. The prevalence of abdominal obesity was significantly higher in males than in females, and was higher than the prevalence of general obesity in all patients (total) and in males. The prevalence's of general obesity and abdominal obesity were more than 2 times high compared to those in general population. The association rate of diabetes in patients with general obesity and abdominal obesity higher than those in patients with non-general obesity and non-abdominal obesity, respectively, in total and in males and females, but these differences were not significant except in total. The values of HbA1c in patients with general obesity was significantly higher than that in patients without general obesity, in total and in males and females; but was significantly higher in patients with abdominal obesity compared to non-abdominal obese patients in total, and in females. After adjustment for several confounding factors, multiple logistic regression analysis showed significant associations of general obesity and abdominal obesity with diabetes mellitus.Conclusions: The results of this study show that the prevalence's of general obesity and abdominal obesity in patients with psychiatric disorders is very high, especially in females which looks to be higher than those in the general population. Multiple regression analyses revealed both general and abdominal obesities were both found to be risk factors for diabetes. These results suggest that effective treatment of obesity is needed for prevention of diabetes in patients with psychiatric disorders.

Cross-Sectional Assessment of Nut Consumption and Obesity, Metabolic Syndrome and Other Cardiometabolic Risk Factors: The PREDIMED Study

IntroductionProspective studies have consistently suggested that nut consumption is inversely related to fatal and non-fatal coronary heart disease. Limited data are available on the epidemiological associations between nut intake and cardiometabolic risk factors.ObjectiveTo evaluate associations between frequency of nut consumption and prevalence of cardiometabolic risk factors [obesity, metabolic syndrome (MetS), type-2 diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia] in a Mediterranean population at high cardiovascular risk.Materials and MethodsCross-sectional study of 7,210 men and women (mean age, 67 y) recruited into the PREDIMED study. MetS was defined by the harmonized ATPIII and IDF criteria. Diabetes and hypertension were assessed by clinical diagnosis and dyslipidemia (high triglycerides, low HDL-cholesterol, and hypercholesterolemia) by lipid analyses. Nut consumption was assessed using a validated food frequency questionnaire and categorized as <1, 1–3, and >3 servings/wk. Control of confounding was done with multivariate logistic regression.ResultsCompared to participants consuming <1 serving/wk of nuts, those consuming >3 servings/wk had lower adjusted odds ratios (OR) for obesity (0.61, 95% confidence interval 0.54 to 0.68; P-trend <0.001), MetS (0.74, 0.65 to 0.85; P-trend<0.001), and diabetes (0.87, 0.78 to 0.99; P-trend = 0.043). Higher nut consumption was also associated with lower risk of the abdominal obesity MetS criterion (OR 0.68, 0.60 to 0.79; P-trend<0.001). No significant associations were observed for the MetS components high blood pressure, dyslipidemia, or elevated fasting glucose.ConclusionsNut consumption was inversely associated with the prevalence of general obesity, central obesity, MetS, and diabetes in subjects at high cardiovascular risk.

The effects of obesity on oesophageal function, acid exposure and the symptoms of gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease

Obese patients have an increased risk of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease; however, the mechanism underlying this association is uncertain. To test the hypothesis that mechanical effects of obesity on oesophageal function increase acid exposure and symptoms. Height, weight and waist circumference (WC) were measured in patients with typical reflux symptoms referred for manometry and 24 h ambulatory pH studies. Symptom severity was assessed by questionnaire. The association between obesity [WC, body mass index (BMI)], oesophageal function, acid exposure and reflux symptoms was assessed. Physiological measurements were obtained from 582 patients (median age 48, 56% female) of whom 406 (70%) completed symptom questionnaires. The prevalence of general obesity was greater in women (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m(2) ; F 23%:M 16%; P = 0.056), however more men had abdominal obesity (WC ≥ 99 cm (M 41%:F 28%; P = 0.001)). Oesophageal acid exposure increased with obesity (WC: R = 0.284, P < 0.001) and was associated also with lower oesophageal sphincter (LOS) pressure, reduced abdominal LOS length and peristaltic dysfunction (all P < 0.001). Univariable regression showed a negative association of WC with both LOS pressure and abdominal LOS length (R = -0.221 and -0.209 respectively; both P < 0.001). However, multivariable analysis demonstrated that the effects of increasing WC on oesophageal function do not explain increased acid reflux in obese patients. Instead, independent effects of obesity and oesophageal dysfunction on acid exposure were present. Reflux symptoms increased with acid exposure (R = 0.300; P < 0.001) and this association explained increased symptom severity in obese patients. Abdominal obesity (waist circumference) is associated with oesophageal dysfunction, increased acid exposure and reflux symptoms; however, this analysis does not support the mechanical hypothesis that the effects of obesity on oesophageal function are the cause of increased acid exposure in obese patients.

Physical Activity, Dietary Intake and Anthropometric Indices of a Group of Nigerian University Undergraduates

This study explores the interrelationships among the physical activity level, dietary pattern and anthropometric indices of some pre-clinical undergraduates in a university in southeastern Nigeria. One hundred and twenty-one (121) consecutively-recruited volunteers (57 male and 64 female), aged 19-29 years, who were pre-clinical students participated in the study. Information on physical activity level (PAL), dietary pattern and anthropometric characteristics as well as demographics was collected. About 80% of the male and female participants had normal weight. Fewer males (11.1%) than females (17.6%) reported low PAL. Fewer males (5.7% and 7.7%) tended to have undesirable waist circumference (WC) and waist-hip ratio (WHR) than the females (16.2% and 41.2%). Also fewer males (24.1%) tended to have a high fat intake than females (30.9%). However, more males (87.0%) tended to take low amounts of fruit/vegetable (FV) than females (79.4%), whereas more females (89.75%) tended to take low amount of fibre than the males (57.4%). The females had a higher (P&lt;0.05) WHR than the males, while the males consumed more fibre (P&lt;0.05) than the females. Fat intake correlated very significantly (P&lt;0.05) with WC. Fibre intake correlated very significantly (P&lt;0.05) with WC and WHR, while PAL correlated significantly with only BMI and WC. Although the prevalence of general obesity is not alarming in this sample, a sizeable number of the respondents have the tendency to be obese and also have central obesity. Fruits and vegetables and fibre consumption were generally low.

Association between tooth loss and obesity in Brazilian adults: a population-based study

OBJECTIVE: To examine the association between tooth loss and general and central obesity among adults. METHODS: Population-based cross-sectional study with 1,720 adults aged 20 to 59 years from Florianópolis, Southern Brazil. Home interviews were performed and anthropometric measures were taken. Information on sociodemographic data, self-reported diabetes, self-reported number of teeth, central obesity (waist circumference [WC] &gt; 88 cm in women and &gt; 102 cm in men) and general obesity (body mass index [BMI] ≥ 30 kg/m²) was collected. We used multivariable Poisson regression models to assess the association between general and central obesity and tooth loss after controlling for confounders. We also performed simple and multiple linear regressions by using BMI and WC as continuous variables. Interaction between age and tooth loss was also assessed. RESULTS: The mean BMI was 25.9 kg/m² (95%CI 25.6;26.2) in men and 25.4 kg/m2 (95%CI 25.0;25.7) in women. The mean WC was 79.3 cm (95%CI 78.4;80.1) in men and 88.4 cm (95%CI 87.6;89.2) in women. A positive association was found between the presence of less than 10 teeth in at least one arch and increased mean BMI and WC after adjusting for education level, self-reported diabetes, gender and monthly per capita income. However, this association was lost when the variable age was included in the model. The prevalence of general obesity was 50% higher in those with less than 10 teeth in at least one arch when compared with those with 10 or more teeth in both arches after adjusting for education level, self-reported diabetes and monthly per capita family income. However, the statistical significance was lost after controlling for age. CONCLUSIONS: Obesity was associated with number of teeth, though it depended on the participants' age groups.

Trends in general and abdominal obesity among Chinese children and adolescents 1993–2009

This study aimed to examine the secular trends in body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC), and the prevalence of general and abdominal obesity among Chinese children and adolescents from 1993 to 2009. Data were obtained from the China health and nutrition survey conducted from 1993 to 2009. 9693 children and adolescents aged 6-17 years were included in this study, with their height, weight and WC measured. General obesity was defined using the BMI cut-offs for overweight recommended by the International Obesity Task Force, and abdominal obesity was assessed when a WC is above the 90th percentile for gender and age. Among the total participants, mean BMI and WC increased significantly over the period 1993-2009: BMI increased from 17.6 to 17.8 kg m(-2) , and WC increased from 61.4 to 63.1 cm (both increases P < 0.001). The prevalence of general obesity and abdominal obesity increased significantly over the period: general obesity (including overweight) rose from 6.1% to 13.1% and abdominal obesity from 4.9% to 11.7% (both increases P < 0.001). WC and abdominal obesity increased at a relatively higher rate than BMI and general obesity. Upward trends in the prevalence of general and abdominal obesity were observed in all subgroups of gender, age and region (all increases P < 0.05), except for abdominal obesity in girls aged 13-17 years (P = 0.102). General and abdominal obesity increased significantly over the past 17 years in Chinese children.

Distribuição de obesidade geral e abdominal em adultos de uma cidade no Sul do Brasil

The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and trends in general and abdominal obesity in adults 20 years or older in Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil, using a cross-sectional population-based design, in 2010. General obesity was defined as body mass index (BMI) > 30 kg/m² and abdominal obesity as waist circumference (WC) > 88 cm for women and > 102 cm for men. Interviews were held with 2,448 eligible individuals. General obesity prevalence was 21.7% in men and 29.2% in women, while abdominal obesity was present in 19.5% of men and 37.5% of women. According to multivariate analysis, lower schooling was associated with increased BMI and WC in women. Family income was inversely related to abdominal obesity in men. Prevalence of general obesity had increased 1.2 times in women and 1.5 in men, when compared to studies in 1994 and 2000. Abdominal obesity showed a small decrease in women, but remained stable in men. Prevalence of general obesity increased in the previous 10 years, while abdominal obesity remained basically stable.

Prevalence of obesity in Dakar

The present study is to our knowledge the first to evaluate the prevalence of obesity among both men and women in Dakar. It was carried out on a sample of 600 dwellers of the Senegalese capital. The prevalence of general obesity is 8.3%, and that of overweight is 22.3%. The underweight rate remains high, given that 12.3% of the adults in this sample show a body mass index (BMI) of <18.5 kg/m(2) . The prevalence of central obesity is 41.2% according to waist to hip ratio (WHR), and 21.2% according to waist circumference (WC). These figures mask considerable differences between men and women and between generations. For instance, women are often more obese than men, whether it is a question of general obesity (13% and 3.9% respectively) or central obesity (37.5% and 5.5% by WC respectively). Moreover, prevalence of general and central obesity rise drastically with age, irrespective of gender. Thus, in addition to combating infectious disease and undernutrition, Senegal must now face problems associated with overweight and obesity.

Ethnic differences in the prevalence of general and central obesity among the Sami and Norwegian populations: The SAMINOR study

To estimate the prevalence of general (body mass index) and central (waist circumference and waist/hip ratio) obesity in an area with a mixed Sami and Norwegian population. A cross-sectional population-based study carried out in 2003- 2004, the SAMINOR study. The attendance rate was 60.6%. A total of 7,301 men and 7,841 women, aged 36-79, were included in the analyses. Height, weight, waist and hip circumference were measured, body mass index (BMI) calculated and information concerning lifestyle was collected by questionnaire. The prevalence of general obesity (BMI > or = 30 kg/m(2)) in participants who had Sami as their home language for three generations (Sami I) and Norwegian participants was 38.7% and 24.3% for women respectively; and for men 26.9% and 23.4% respectively. More than 40% of the women had central obesity (waist circumference > or = 88 cm), and the highest prevalence was found in Sami I women (45%). The highest prevalence of central obesity (waist circumference > or = 102 cm) was found in Norwegian men (24.2%). The ethnic differences persisted after adjustment for age, education, physical activity in leisure time, and smoking habits. The prevalence of obesity was high in this population and central obesity was most pronounced in women, particularly in Sami women. Sami men were less obese than Norwegian men. Further studies are necessary to examine a possible explanation for these findings, especially to elaborate on the impact of diet.

Vegetable-rich food pattern is related to obesity in China

To investigate the association between a vegetable-rich food pattern and obesity among Chinese adults. A food pattern rich in vegetables is associated with lower risk of obesity and non-communicable chronic disease in Western countries. A similar food pattern is found in the Chinese population but the cooking method is different. A cross-sectional household survey of 2849 men and women aged 20 years and over was undertaken in 2002 in Jiangsu Province (response rate, 89.0%). Food intake was assessed by food frequency questionnaire. Factor analysis was used to identify food patterns. Nutrient intake was measured by food weighing plus consecutive individual 3-day food records. Height, weight and waist circumference were measured. The prevalence of general obesity (BMI > or =28 kg m(-2)) was 8.0% in men and 12.7% in women, central obesity was 19.5% (> or =90 cm) and 38.2% (> or =80 cm), respectively. A four-factor solution explained 28.5% of the total variance in food frequency intake. The vegetable-rich food pattern (whole grains, fruits and vegetables) was positively associated with vegetable oil and energy intake. Prevalence of obesity/central obesity increased across the quartiles of vegetable-rich food pattern. After adjusting for sociodemographic factors and four distinct food patterns, the vegetable-rich pattern was independently associated with obesity. Compared with the lowest quartile of vegetable-rich pattern, the highest quartile had higher risk of general obesity (men, prevalence ratio (PR): 1.82, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.05-3.14; women, PR: 2.25, 95% CI: 1.45-3.49). The vegetable-rich food pattern was associated with higher risk of obesity/central obesity in Chinese adults in both genders. This association can be linked to the high intake of energy due to generous use of oil for stir-frying the vegetables.

Is migration to Sweden associated with increased prevalence of risk factors for cardiovascular disease?

[corrected] The proportion of elderly immigrants in Sweden is increasing. This is an important issue considering that the prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a global health problem and that CVD is one of the main causes of morbidity among the elderly. The aim of this study is to analyze whether there is an association between migration status, that is being an elderly Iranian immigrant in Sweden, as compared with being an elderly Iranian in Iran, and the prevalence of risk factors for CVD. Population-based cross-sectional study with face-to-face interviews. A total of 176 Iranians in Stockholm and 300 Iranians in Tehran, aged 60-84 years. The prevalence of general obesity, abdominal obesity, hypertension, smoking, and diabetes was determined. Unconditional logistic regression analysis was used to calculate odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for outcomes. The age-adjusted risk of hypertension and smoking was higher in Iranian women and men in Sweden. OR for hypertension was 1.9 (95% CI: 1.1-3.2) for women and 3.1 (95% CI: 1.5-6.3) for men and OR for smoking was 6.9 (95% CI: 2.2-21.6) for women and 4.7 (95% CI: 2.0-11.0) for men. The higher risk for hypertension and smoking remained significant after accounting for age, socioeconomic status, and marital status. Abdominal obesity was found in nearly 80% of the women in both groups. The findings show a strong association between migration status and the prevalence of hypertension and smoking. Major recommendation for public health is increased awareness of CVD risk factors among elderly immigrants.

Intake of fried foods is associated with obesity in the cohort of Spanish adults from the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition

Background: Consumption of fried food has been suggested to promote obesity, but this association has seldom been studied.Objective: We aimed to assess the association of energy intake from fried food with general and central obesity in Spain, a Mediterranean country where frying with oil is a traditional cooking procedure.Design: This was a cross-sectional study of 33 542 Spanish persons aged 29–69 y who were participating in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition between 1992 and 1996. Dietary intake was assessed by a diet history questionnaire. Height, weight, and waist circumference were measured by trained interviewers. Analyses were performed with logistic regression and were adjusted for total energy intake and other confounders.Results: The prevalence of general obesity [body mass index (in kg/m2) ≥ 30] was 27.6% in men and 27.7% in women. Respective figures for central obesity (waist circumference ≥ 102 cm in men and ≥ 88 cm in women) were 34.5% and 42.6%. The average proportion of energy intake from fried food was 15.6% in men and 12.6% in women. The adjusted odds ratios for general obesity in the highest versus the lowest quintile of fried food intake were 1.26 (95% CI: 1.09, 1.45; P for trend < 0.001) in men and 1.25 (1.11, 1.41; P for trend < 0.001) in women. The corresponding values for central obesity were 1.17 (1.02, 1.34; P for trend < 0.003) in men and 1.27 (1.13, 1.42; P for trend < 0.001) in women.Conclusion: Fried food was positively associated with general and central obesity only among subjects in the highest quintile of energy intake from fried food.