Evolution of cardiovascular risk factors among 18-year-old males in Austria between 1986 and 2005

The aims of the study were to determine time trends in cardiovascular risk factors among young Austrian males between 1986 and 2005 and to examine socioeconomic and geographic differences.

Data on Austrian conscripts were derived from the nationwide compulsory medical investigations held at military induction at 18 years of age. Four cohorts (1986-1990: n = 252,799; 1991-1995: n = 209,266; 1996-2000: n = 208,427; 2001-2005: n = 209,168) were examined with respect to their place of residence and level of education. Height, weight, waist circumference, blood pressure, serum total-cholesterol and triglycerides were measured. Mean body mass index (BMI) was calculated: overweight was defined as BMI between 25 and <30 and obesity as BMI >or= 30. The Chi-squared test and ANOVA were used to test group differences.

During the 20-year observation period the prevalence of overweight increased from 13.3% to 15.7% (p < 0.001) and that of obesity from 2.6% to 5.4% (p < 0.001); in accordance, mean BMI and waist circumference increased significantly. Blood pressure and serum total-cholesterol level decreased (p < 0.001) during the period studied, although triglyceride levels (p < 0.001) increased. A significant east-west gradient was identified for the prevalence of overweight and obesity, waist circumference and mean BMI, with lower values in the urban population compared with those of rural inhabitants. Mean BMI and the prevalence of overweight and obesity were higher in conscripts belonging to lower socioeconomic strata.

Our study demonstrates a clear increase of mean BMI, waist circumference and the prevalence of overweight and obesity in Austrian male adolescents during the past 20 years. Conscripts from rural regions and with lower levels of education showed the highest values. The investigation of conscript health appears to be a useful tool for risk surveillance in the male population.