[Long-term changes in body mass index in rural inhabitants: Takasu study]

Based on community health examination data (1975-1992) of Takasu, a rural town in Hokkaido Prefecture, long-term changes in body mass index (BMI) were studied and contour maps were developed. The results were as follows: 1) A high median BMI, 23 or more, appeared in female age groups from 50's to 70's during the observation period, whereas the high median BMI appeared in male age groups 30's and 40's after 1981. 2) Median BMI in age groups 30's and 40's at the time of the initial observation increased gradually with age in both sexes.