Prevalence and trends of obesity in The Netherlands 1987-1991

J C Seidell, W M Monique Verschuren, D. Kromhout

Research output: Contribution to JournalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To study the prevalence and trends in obesity in the period 1987-1991.

DESIGN: Linear regression of average body mass index (BMI in kg/m2) and prevalence of obesity (BMI > or = 30 kg/m2) in a continuous monitoring project in three towns in The Netherlands.

RESULTS: It was estimated that over the whole period the prevalence of obesity was 7% in men and 9% in women. After adjustment for age and educational level the prevalence of obesity increased significantly in both men with about 1.7 percentage points (+/- standard error: 0.8) and in women with 1.9 +/- 0.8 percentage points between 1987 and 1991. When stratified by 10-year age category the increase was strongest in those aged 20-29 and 50-59 years. When stratified by educational level, the increase was only significant in the lowest category (primary education and lower secondary education) and was not significant in other categories.

CONCLUSION: Obesity is relatively common in The Netherlands and, at least among responders to the yearly surveys, the prevalence of obesity has increased in the period 1987-1991 particularly in those with a relatively low educational level.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)924-7
Number of pages4
JournalInternational journal of obesity and related metabolic disorders : journal of the International Association for the Study of Obesity
Volume19
Issue number12
Publication statusPublished - Dec 1995

Keywords

  • Adult
  • Aging
  • Body Mass Index
  • Female
  • Health Surveys
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Netherlands
  • Obesity
  • Prevalence
  • Journal Article
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

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