Obesity and self-perceived health in Sweden

Data on self-perceived health in relation to relative body weight from the nationally representative adult Swedish population (12988 men and 13414 women) obtained from Statistics Sweden were analysed. The results are adjusted for age, socio-economic groups, self-reported chronic disease and marital status. Obesity was associated with 40% higher prevalence of severe pains from several joints in men and women and higher consumption of analgetics (OR = 1.6, 95% CI 1.2-2.2, in men, OR = 1.9, 95% CI 1.6-2.3, in women). Overweight and more often obese subjects reported physical impairment and in particular reduced mobility (OR = 1.9, 95% CI 1.5-2.5 in obese men and OR = 2.4, 95% CI 2.0-2.9 in obese women). Intake of vitamins was 20-40% significantly lower in overweight and obese than in normal weight subjects; the intake of iron pills was 60% lower in obese women. Dental status was worse in overweight and obese subjects. Dentures were found more often in overweight (OR = 1.5, 95% CI 1.3-1.7) and obese women (OR 2.2, 95% CI 1.9-2.7) in comparison to those with normal weight. Underweight was associated with adverse self-perceived health with regard to all these indicators. Our findings suggest that already moderate overweight in particular in women results in reduced mobility and physical impairment.