PREVALENCE OF OBESITY IN SPAIN - THE SEEDO97 STUDY

BACKGROUND: The weight distribution of a random sample of Spanish popu lation aged 25-60 years is described. The prevalence of obesity and ov erweight is estimated by sex, age group and cultural level. SUBJECTS A ND METHOD: Weight, height and waist to hip ratio (WHR) were measured o n 5,388 subjects aged 25-60 yr who participated in population Nutritio nal surveys carried out in four Spanish autonomous regions (Cataluna, Pais Vasco, Madrid and Valencia) from 1989 to 1994. They were pooled t ogether in order to build a national random sample. The sample was cla ssified according to body mass index (BMI) (weight in kg/height in m(2 )). Obesity was defined as BMI greater than or equal to 30 kg/m(2). Th e prevalence of obesity by sex, age group and cultural level was estim ated. Risk values for WHR were defined as WHR > 1 far men and WHR > 0. 9 for women. RESULTS: The prevalence of obesity was 13.4%, 11.5% among men and 15.2% among women. Obesity increased with age in men and wome n, from 5.3% in the 25-34 yr group to 26.3% in the age group 55-60. Am ong those with a BMI greater than or equal to 30, 30.7% of men and 25. 1% of women had also risk values for WHR. Educational level showed an inverse relationship with obesity, thus obesity was higher in less edu cated groups, particularly among women (p < 0.001). The geographical d istribution of obesity showed a south-southeast trend, significant for males (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Prevalence of obesity in Spain was 13 .4%, bligher after 45 yr of age, particulary in women and less educate d groups.