Increasing prevalence of overweight and obesity among Spanish adults, 1987-1997.
OBJECTIVE
To study the trend in the prevalence of obesity and overweight in Spanish men and women 25-64 y of age between 1987 and 1997.


METHODS
Cross-sectional surveys of representative samples of the non-institutionalized population in Spain in 1987, 1995 and 1997.


METHODS
14,676 and 7004 adults aged 25-64 who were representative of the Spanish population in 1987 and 1995/1997.


METHODS
Body mass index (BMI) calculated from self-reported weight and height. Overweight is defined as BMI = 27-29.9 kg/m2 and obesity as BMI > or = 30 kg/m2.


RESULTS
Between 1987 and 1995/97, the prevalence of overweight in the Spanish population aged 25-64 increased by 2.2% (P < 0.01); the increase was greater in men (3.8%; P < 0.01) than in women (0.6%; P > 0.05). The largest increases in the prevalence of overweight were seen in men (5.2%; P < 0.01) and women (2.3%; P < 0.05) aged 25-34. During the same period, the prevalence of obesity increased by 3.9% (P < 0.01), 4.6% in men (P < 0.01) and 3.2% in women (P < 0.01). The largest increases were seen in men aged 45-54 (6.5%, P < 0.01) and in women aged 25-34 (2.2%, P < 0.05). By educational level, the prevalence of overweight increased significantly in men with fewer than 12 y of education (4.7%, P < 0.01). Obesity increased by 4.6% (P < 0.01) and by 4.9% (P < 0.01) in men and women with fewer than 12 y of education, respectively.


CONCLUSIONS
The prevalence of overweight and obesity is increasing in Spain, the same as it is in other developed countries. The increase, which is found in most age and sex groups in the population, especially affects middle-aged men, young women and persons with lower educational level. The causes of the increase in the prevalence of overweight and obesity are likely to be multifactorial.
Gutiérrez-Fisac
J L
JL
Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Spain.
Banegas Banegas
J R
JR
Artalejo
F R
FR
Regidor
E
E
D000328:Adult; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004522:Educational Status; D005260:Female; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity / Q000453:epidemiology*; D012727:Sex Characteristics; D013030:Spain / Q000453:epidemiology