Overweight, obesity and fat distribution in 50- to 64-year-old participants in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC)

M Haftenberger, P.H. Lahmann, S Panico, A.C. Gonzalez-Martinez, J. C. Seidell, H Boeing, M C Giurdanella, V. Krogh, H Bas Bueno De Mesquita, Petra H M Peeters, G. Skeie, A Hjartåker, M. Rodriguez, J. R. Quirós, G. Berglund, U Janlert, K.T. Khaw, E.A. Spencer, K. Overvad, A TjønnelandF. Clavel-Chapelon, B Tehard, A.B. Miller, K Klipstein-Grobusch, V. Benetou, G Kiriazi, E. Riboli, N. Slimani

Research output: Contribution to JournalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

Objective: To describe anthropometric characteristics of participants of the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC). Design: A cross-sectional analysis of baseline data of a European prospective cohort study. Subjects: This analysis includes study populations from 25 centres in nine European countries. The British populations comprised both a population-based and a 'health-conscious' group. The analysis was restricted to 83 178 men and 163 851 women aged 50-64 years, this group being represented in all centres. Methods: Anthropometric examinations were undertaken by trained observers using standardised methods and included measurements of weight, height, and waist and hip circumferences. In the 'health-conscious' group (UK), anthropometric measures were predicted from self-reports. Results: Except in the 'health-conscious' group (UK) and in the French centres, mean body mass index (BMI) exceeded 25.0 kg m-2. The prevalence of obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg m-2) varied from 8% to 40% in men, and from 5% to 53% in women, with high prevalences (>25%) in the centres from Spain, Greece, Ragusa and Naples (Italy) and the lowest prevalences (<10%) in the French centres and the 'health-conscious' group (UK). The prevalence of a large waist circumference or a high waist-to-hip ratio was high in centres from Spain, Greece, Ragusa and Naples (Italy) and among women from centres in Germany and Bilthoven (The Netherlands). Conclusions: Anthropometric measures varied considerably within the EPIC population. These data provide a strong base for further investigation of anthropometric measures in relation to the risk of chronic diseases, especially cancer.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1147-1162
Number of pages16
JournalPublic Health Nutrition
Volume5
Issue number6 B
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Dec 2002

Keywords

  • Anthropometry
  • Cross-sectional study
  • EPIC study
  • Europe
  • Fat distribution
  • Obesity
  • Adipose Tissue
  • Body Constitution
  • Body Weight
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Prevalence
  • Prospective Studies
  • Multicenter Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

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