Overweight and Obesity in the Russian Population: Prevalence in Adults and Association with Socioeconomic Parameters and Cardiovascular Risk Factors

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the prevalence and geographic distribution of overweight and obesity in Russian adults aged 25–64 years as well as the association between chronic risk factors and obesity. Methods: Data were obtained from the survey “Epidemiology of Cardiovascular Diseases and Its Risk Factors in Some Regions of the Russian Federation” (ESSE-RF). This is a large cross-sectional multicenter population-based study that included interviews and medical examination (anthropometry, blood pressure [BP] measurement, and laboratory analysis) applied in 2012–2014. Results: The sample included 20,190 adults (response rate 79.4%) aged 25–64 years. Approximately one third of participants (30.3%) had obesity and another third (34.3%) were classified as overweight. BMI increased with age in both sexes. The prevalence of obesity between regions ranged from 24.4 to 35.5%. Overweight and obesity levels decreased with higher education (men only). Overall obesity rates were higher in rural than urban populations, but rates of overweight were similar in rural and urban populations. Participants with obesity were more likely to have BP > 160/100 mm Hg (odds ratio > 2.0) and also > 140/90 mm Hg, raised blood glucose, and high triglycerides. Conclusion: The prevalence of overweight and obesity in Russian adults aged 25–64 years is not evenly distributed geographically, but it is comparable to that of other European countries. Individuals with obesity were also more likely to have indicators of poor cardiovascular and metabolic health.

Prevalence of overweight and obesity and associated risk factors among adult residents of northwest China: a cross-sectional study

“…Our cross-sectional study indicates that the prevalence of overweight and obesity among adults in northwest China was 36.5% (males, 40.1%; females, 33.4%) and 26.5% (males, 27.2%; females, 25.8%), respectively. In the Russian population,25 the prevalence of overweight was 64.6% (males, 42.3%; females, 28.7%), and approximately one-third of the participants (30.3%) were obese (males, 27.5%; females, 31.4%). Contrary to what was observed in our research, the prevalence of overweight was higher than obesity in that study.…”

Despite Low Obesity Rates, Body Mass Index Under-Estimated Obesity among Russian Police Officers When Compared to Body Fat Percentage

“…As the largest country of the former Soviet Union, Russia is diverse, rich with resources, and has a rapidly changing food economy [14] where diets include excess amounts of saturated fats, sugar, and salt, along with insufficient consumption of fruits and vegetables [15]. As a result, and similar to much of the rest of the world, the Russian Federation (Russia) population has experienced increases in obesity rates [14,16]. Although Russian women have higher obesity rates, rates among men are increasing at a faster pace [16].…”

“…As a result, and similar to much of the rest of the world, the Russian Federation (Russia) population has experienced increases in obesity rates [14,16]. Although Russian women have higher obesity rates, rates among men are increasing at a faster pace [16]. This is concerning because those with obesity are more likely to have co-morbid health conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and high triglycerides [16], and the majority of health coverage funding is from the public sector (61%) [17].…”

Uncontrolled and apparent treatment resistant hypertension: a cross-sectional study of Russian and Norwegian 40–69 year olds

“…Mortality from cardiovascular disease (CVD) has been falling rapidly in Russia since 2005 [1]. This is thought to be due, in part, to better detection, treatment, and control of hypertension [2][3][4]. Yet, despite this impressive progress, control of blood pressure remains relatively poor and there is a persisting mortality gap with countries of Western Europe.…”