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Published on: August 12, 2016
[Anthropometric data and obesity]
1Robert Koch-Institut, Berlin.
Gesundheitswesen (Bundesverband Der Arzte Des Offentlichen Gesundheitsdienstes (Germany))
|March 22, 2000
Summary
German adults show concerning trends in overweight and obesity. The 1998 survey revealed higher prevalence in the East, with significant increases in obesity over a decade, particularly in Western men.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Anthropometry
- Epidemiology
Background:
- The German National Health Interview and Examination Survey 1998 collected anthropometric data from 7124 individuals aged 18-79.
- Previous survey data from 1990/92 provided a baseline for comparison.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze and compare anthropometric data, specifically Body Mass Index (BMI), between German men and women from Western and Eastern regions.
- To assess trends in overweight and obesity prevalence from 1990/92 to 1998.
- To identify regional and gender-specific differences in these health indicators.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of anthropometric measurements including height and weight.
- Calculation of Body Mass Index (BMI) to categorize overweight (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m²) and obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m²).
- Comparative statistical analysis of data from the 1998 survey and previous 1990/92 surveys, stratified by region (East/West) and age groups.
Main Results:
- Individuals in Western Germany were generally taller than those in Eastern Germany, with the smallest height differences observed in younger age groups.
- Overweight prevalence ranged from 52% (West German women) to 67% (West German men).
- Obesity prevalence ranged from 18% (West German men) to 24.5% (East German women).
- Overweight was generally more common in Eastern Germany than in Western Germany.
- Obesity prevalence increased significantly in both West German men (11.5%) and East German men (5.9%) between the survey periods.
- Obesity prevalence increased in West German women (6.4%) but decreased in East German women (-6.3%).
- Despite the decrease, obesity remained more prevalent among East German females compared to West German females.
Conclusions:
- Significant regional disparities in height and weight distribution exist within Germany.
- Alarming increases in obesity prevalence, particularly among men, highlight a growing public health concern.
- Divergent trends in female obesity between East and West Germany warrant further investigation.
- The findings underscore the importance of monitoring anthropometric data for effective public health strategies to combat obesity.
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