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Obesity in 70-year-old Swedes: secular changes over 30 years.
G Eiben1, D K Dey, E Rothenberg
1Department of Primary Health Care, Göteborg University, Sweden. gabriele.eiben@medfak.gu.se
International Journal of Obesity (2005)
|May 27, 2005
Summary
The elderly are increasingly affected by the obesity epidemic, with significant upward trends in body mass index (BMI) and obesity prevalence observed in 70-year-olds. These trends were evident across various lifestyle factors, highlighting a growing public health concern in older populations.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Secular increases in obesity are well-documented in middle-aged adults.
- Less is known about obesity trends in elderly populations.
- This study examines obesity trends in elderly individuals in Göteborg.
Purpose of the Study:
- To document recent obesity epidemic trends in 70-year-old men and women.
- To investigate the influence of physical activity, smoking, and education on these trends.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of five population-based samples (n=3702) of 70-year-olds examined between 1971 and 2000.
- Assessment of anthropometric measures, physical activity, smoking habits, and education.
- Longitudinal examination of body mass index (BMI) and waist-to-hip circumference ratio (WHR) in subsamples of women.
Main Results:
- Significant upward trends in height, weight, BMI, waist circumference, WHR, overweight, and obesity prevalence were observed in both sexes.
- By 2000, 20% of 70-year-old men and 24% of 70-year-old women were obese.
- BMI increased over time across most lifestyle groups, with secular trends detected slightly earlier in men than women.
Conclusions:
- The elderly population is significantly impacted by the obesity epidemic.
- Secular trends in BMI are evident in older adults, with variations between sexes.
- Future gerontological research should focus on the health implications of these obesity trends in the elderly.