Trends in body mass index and obesity among adults in Finland from 1972 to 1992.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate trends in body mass index (BMI) and prevalence of obesity in different areas and educational groups in Finland.


METHODS
Cardiovascular risk factor surveys carried out at five-year intervals among men and women aged 30 to 59 years from 1972 to 1992.


METHODS
Body mass index and educational level have been measured in each survey.


RESULTS
BMI increased in men over 40 years of age until 1987 and then levelled off. BMI decreased in women in all age groups until 1982 and then levelled off. Even though all men have become heavier, the change has been smallest in the highest educated group. This difference is even more pronounced in women. The prevalence of obesity (BMI over 30 kg2) was 19% in men and 18% in women in 1992. The prevalence of overweight (BMI over 25 kg/m2) was 63% in men and 49% in women. The prevalence of obesity among men with the lowest educational level was 27% and in women 26%.


CONCLUSIONS
The differences in BMI between educational groups have become wider in both genders during 1972-1992.
Pietinen
P
P
Department of Nutrition, National Public Health Institute, Helsinki, Finland.
Vartiainen
E
E
Männisto
S
S
D000328:Adult; D000375:Aging; D015992:Body Mass Index; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases; D004522:Educational Status; D005260:Female; D005387:Finland; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity / Q000453:epidemiology*; D012307:Risk Factors; D012727:Sex Characteristics