[Prevalence of obesity among persons aged 40-42 years in two periods].
BACKGROUND
The prevalence of obesity is increasing.


METHODS
Cardiovascular screening among persons 40-42 years has been carried out since 1985 in all but one of the 19 Norwegian counties. In eight counties, screening was carried out both in 1994-96 and 1997-99.


RESULTS
The prevalence of obesity (body mass index > or = 30 kg/m2) in the eight counties increased from 9.6% in men and 8.8% in women in 1994-96 to 14.0% and 11.6% in 1997-99. The relative increase was on the whole the same in all subgroups of the study population. There were strong cross-sectional relationships between lifestyle factors, general health, length of education and obesity. Changes in the distribution of these factors between the two periods did not at all explain the increased prevalence of obesity.


CONCLUSIONS
The prevalence of obesity is increasing in practically all segments of the population.
Tverdal
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Forskningsavdelingen Statens helseundersøkelser Postboks 8155 Dep 0033 Oslo. aage.tverdal@shus.no
D015992:Body Mass Index; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D009664:Norway / Q000453:epidemiology; D009765:Obesity / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology*; D015995:Prevalence; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors