Trends in maternal obesity incidence rates, demographic predictors, and health inequalities in 36,821 women over a 15-year period.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to identify trends in maternal obesity incidence over time and to identify those women most at risk and potential-associated health inequalities.


METHODS
Longitudinal database study.


METHODS
James Cook University Hospital maternity unit, Middlesbrough, UK.


METHODS
A total of 36 821 women from 1 January 1990 to 31 December 2004.


METHODS
Trends in maternal obesity incidence over time were analysed using chi-square test for trend. Demographic predictor variables were analysed using multivariate logistic regression, adjusting for confounding factors after testing for multicollinearity. National census data were used to place the regional data into the context of the general population.


METHODS
Trends in maternal obesity incidence. Demographic predictor variables included ethnic group, age, parity, marital status, employment and socio-economic disadvantage.


RESULTS
The proportion of obese women at the start of pregnancy has increased significantly over time from 9.9 to 16.0% (P<0.01). This is best described by a quadratic model (P<0.01) showing that the rate is accelerating; by 2010, the rate will have increased to 22% of this population if the trend continues. There is also a significant relationship with maternal obesity and mothers' residing in areas of most deprivation (odds ratio [OR]=2.44, 95% CI=1.98, 3.02, P<0.01), with increasing age (OR=1.04, 95% CI=1.04, 1.05, P<0.01), and parity (OR=1.17, 95% CI=1.12, 1.21, P<0.01).


CONCLUSIONS
The incidence of maternal obesity at the start of pregnancy is increasing and accelerating. Predictors of maternal obesity are associated with health inequalities, particularly socio-economic disadvantage.
Heslehurst
N
N
The Centre for Food, Physical Activity, and Obesity Research, School of Health and Social Care, University of Teesside, and James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough, UK. n.heslehurst@tees.ac.uk
Ells
L J
LJ
Simpson
H
H
Batterham
A
A
Wilkinson
J
J
Summerbell
C D
CD
D000328:Adult; D015992:Body Mass Index; D004739:England / Q000453:epidemiology; D004812:Epidemiologic Methods; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D009765:Obesity / Q000453:epidemiology*; D011203:Poverty; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000453:epidemiology*