The association of obesity with socioeconomic factors in Missouri

Abstract

The prevalence of obesity and underweight was estimated for residents of Missouri more than 9 years old on the basis of age, sex, household income, educational attainment, and population density from the results of a survey conducted in 1973. The incidence of overweight was greatest among children 10 to 16 years old and the least for adults 17 to 35 years old. Four percent of the girls 10 to 16 were greater than 159% of average weight for height. Among women greater than 59 years old the incidence of overweight and underweight were high. The proportion of adult women who were overweight as defined by average weight for height and body mass index (W/H2) was inversely related to household income and education. The same was true for adult men in relation to income but the reverse results were observed for education. A larger proportion of urban men were overweight as defined by body mass index compared to rural men. The incidence of obesity among males of all ages and females greater than 59 years old appeared to be related to residence in specific types of communities.

Prevalence of overweight and obesity among children aged 6-12 years in Dodoma and Kinondoni Municipalities, Tanzania

“…A study conducted in Canada (Donalelle, 2001) showed that, children who lived in communities with high unemployment rates, low family income or low educational levels were at a greater risk of being overweight or obese. Kohrs et al (1979) reported that, the proportions of adult women and men who were overweight (BMI > 25) were inversely related to household income and education level. Families like those of office employees and the businessmen/women may have high income and could afford to purchase nutritious foods, however, due to low education level in nutrition they may decide to purchase foods that are high in energy and low in essential nutrients.…”

Overweight and Depression

“…The average Quetelet score in this sample is 24.65: 25.32 for men and 24.25 for women. Twenty-three percent of the sample scores 27 or higher on the Quetelet index, which is often used as a cut-off for obesity (Kohrs et al 1979). The average man is 5'10" and weighs 177.2 lbs.…”

Extreme obesity: sociodemographic, familial and behavioural correlates in The Netherlands.

“…Smokers were grouped into: 0, 1-15, and 16 or more cigarettes/day. Alcohol consumption was divided into: 0, 1-8, [9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16], and 17 or more units/week. Since the numbers in the two highest categories were small, the second, third, and fourth categories were combined and only "yes" or "no" alcohol consumption was considered.…”