Trends in obesity and its distribution : data from the Northern Sweden MONICA survey, 1986–2004

• Published in: Obesity
• Main Authors: Lilja, Mikael, Eliasson, Mats, Stegmayr, Birgitta, Olsson, Tommy, Söderberg, Stefan
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Allmänmedicin 2008
• Subjects: abdominal adiposity; trends; waist circumference; obesity; Medical and Health Sciences; Medicin och hälsovetenskap; Northern Sweden
• Online Access: http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:umu:diva-49377; https://doi.org/10.1038/oby.2008.8

Objective: Obesity, especially abdominal, is a risk factor for many diseases. This study explored trends in theprevalence of general and abdominal obesity, 1986–2004, in northern Sweden. Methods and Procedures: Cross-sectional population surveys were performed in 1986, 1990, 1994, 1999, and 2004;250 men and 250 women aged 25−34, 35−44, 45−54, and 55−64 years (from 1994, also 65−74 years) were randomlyselected; the overall participation rate was 77%. Anthropometric data were used. Results: Weight and BMI increased in all men, most significantly in men aged 25−64 years (P < 0.0005). Weightincreased in women aged 25−64 years (P < 0.005) and BMI in women aged 25−44 years (P < 0.005). Prevalence ofobesity (BMI≥ 30) increased significantly in men aged 25−44 and 55−74 years (P < 0.005; for men 65−74 years old,P< 0.05) and in women aged 25−44 years (P < 0.005). Waist circumference decreased significantly between 1986and 1990 in all women (P < 0.005) and in men aged 55−64 years (P < 0.05). After 1990 waist circumference increased, most markedly so in women; by 2004 circumference measurements for women, and for men aged 55−64 years, were equal to those of 1986, while for men aged 25−54 years they were higher. Prevalence of abdominal obesity has increased since 1990, most markedly so in women aged 45−64 years (P < 0.0005). Discussion: The rapid increase in both general and central obesity raises concern for the future; increasing abdominalobesity in women is particularly alarming.