title: Stagnation in body mass index in Denmark from 1997/1998 to 2004/2005, but with geographical diversity.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  We analyzed the trend in body mass index (BMI) as well as in the prevalence of overweight and obesity among Danish adults, mainly women, from 1997/1998 to 2004/2005 and evaluated any regional differences.
  
  
  METHODS
  Data were drawn from two cross-sectional population-based studies conducted in parallel in Aalborg and Copenhagen from 1997/1998 and 2004/2005. Height and weight were measured in a total of 7,487 participants in the two cohorts.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In the total cohort, we found no significant difference in BMI from 1997/1998 to 2004/2005 (p = 0.828). There was an increase in BMI in Aalborg of 0.32 (p = 0.030), while in Copenhagen we observed a statistically significant decrease in BMI of 0.30 (p = 0.017). The difference in change over time in BMI between the two regions was significant (p = 0.002). Also the difference in the trend in prevalence of overweight and obesity was statistically significant between the two cities (p = 0.010).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our results indicate that the obesity epidemic is leveling off - at least among women - and that it may even be receding in Copenhagen. Nevertheless, the absolute average BMI values and the prevalence of overweight and obesity in both cities are high which underlines the need for further initiatives to prevent obesity-related health risks in the future.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  The DanThyr studies were supported by funding from the Tømmerhandler Vilhelm Bang Foundation, the Copenhagen Corporation Research Foundation, the 1991 Pharmacy Foundation, the Danish Medical Foundation, the Health Insurance Foundation, the Agnes and Knut Mørk Foundation, the Wedel Wedelsborg Foundation, the Ortho-Clinical Foundation and BRAHMS Diagnostica.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  not relevant.
authors.affiliation: Department of Endocrinology-Gastroenterology, Bispebjerg Hospital. mathildesvendstrup@gmail.com
authors.forename: Mathilde
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Svendstrup
authors.forename: Nils Jacob
authors.initials: NJ
authors.lastname: Knudsen
authors.forename: Torben
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Jørgensen
authors.forename: Lone Banke
authors.initials: LB
authors.lastname: Rasmussen
authors.forename: Lars
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Ovesen
authors.forename: Hans
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Perrild
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Laurberg
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D015992:Body Mass Index; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003718:Denmark / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D005843:Geography; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D009765:Obesity / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000208:ethnology; D050177:Overweight / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000208:ethnology; D018570:Risk Assessment; D013223:Statistics as Topic; D013997:Time Factors; D055815:Young Adult