[Weight gain along adult life].
BACKGROUND
Obesity is a serious health problem with a rather difficult treatment and prevention. Estimating weight gain along adult life may be useful for preventing adult obesity.


METHODS
This cross-sectional study included a representative sample of 1,286 adults who self-reported a weight gain from age 20 years.


RESULTS
The average weight gain per decade was about 4.5 kg in males and females aged 20 to 49 years. Among subjects aged 50 to 69 years, it was 1 kg in men and 2 kg in women, approximately. Body weight decreased from age 70 years onwards.


CONCLUSIONS
Weight gain appears to be progressive from the third up to the seventh decade of life in both sexes, yet it is more persistent in women.
Alvarez León
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División de Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública. Departamento de Salud Pública, Historia de la Ciencia y Ginecología. Universidad Miguel Hernández. Alicante.
Vioque
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J
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015430:Weight Gain