Trends in obesity and its distribution: data from the Northern Sweden MONICA Survey, 1986-2004.
Obesity, especially abdominal, is a risk factor for many diseases. This study explored trends in the prevalence of general and abdominal obesity, 1986-2004, in northern Sweden.



Cross-sectional population surveys were performed in 1986, 1990, 1994, 1999, and 2004; 250 men and 250 women aged 25-34, 35-44, 45-54, and 55-64 years (from 1994, also 65-74 years) were randomly selected; the overall participation rate was 77%. Anthropometric data were used.



Weight and BMI increased in all men, most significantly in men aged 25-64 years (P<0.0005). Weight increased in women aged 25-64 years (P<0.005) and BMI in women aged 25-44 years (P<0.005). Prevalence of obesity (BMI>or=30) increased significantly in men aged 25-44 and 55-74 years (P<0.005; for men 65-74 years old, P<0.05) and in women aged 25-44 years (P<0.005). Waist circumference decreased significantly between 1986 and 1990 in all women (P<0.005) and in men aged 55-64 years (P<0.05). After 1990 waist circumference increased, most markedly so in women; by 2004 circumference measurements for women, and for men aged 55-64 years, were equal to those of 1986, while for men aged 25-54 years they were higher. Prevalence of abdominal obesity has increased since 1990, most markedly so in women aged 45-64 years (P<0.0005).



The rapid increase in both general and central obesity raises concern for the future; increasing abdominal obesity in women is particularly alarming.
Lilja
Mikael
M
The Research and Development Unit, Jämtland County Council, Ostersund, Sweden. mikael.lilja@jll.se
Eliasson
Mats
M
Stegmayr
Birgitta
B
Olsson
Tommy
T
Söderberg
Stefan
S
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D050218:Body Fat Distribution / Q000639:trends*; D015992:Body Mass Index; D001835:Body Weight / Q000502:physiology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D050152:Intra-Abdominal Fat / Q000503:physiopathology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D015995:Prevalence; D012727:Sex Characteristics; D013548:Sweden / Q000453:epidemiology; D049629:Waist-Hip Ratio