Background: Obesity is one principle risk factor increasing the risk of noncommunicable diseases including diabetes, hypertension and atherosclerosis. In Thailand, a 2014 study reported obesity (BMI ≥25 kg/m 2) in a Thai population aged ≥15 years was 37.5, 32.9 and 41.8% overall and among males and females, respectively. The study aimed to determine trends in the prevalence of obesity among adults residing in a Thai rural community between 2012 and 2018 and investigate the associations between obesity and behavioral factors. Methods: Serial cross-sectional studies were conducted in 2012 and 2018 among adults in Na-Ngam rural community. In 2012 and 2018, all 635 and 627 individuals, respectively, were interviewed using structured questionnaires related to demographics, risk behaviors, comorbidities and arthrometric measurement. Spot urine was collected by participants and obesity was defined as BMI ≥25 kg/m 2. The risk factors for obesity were analyzed in the 2018 survey. Results: A total of 1262 adults in Na-Ngam rural community were included in the study. The prevalence of obesity was 33.9% in 2012 and 44.8% in 2018 (P < 0.001). The average BMI increased from 23.9 ± 4.2 kg/m 2 in 2012 to 25.0 ± 4.52 kg/m 2 in 2018 (P < 0.001). Obesity was associated with higher age (AOR 0.99; 95%CI 0.97-0.99), smoking (AOR 0.52; 95%CI 0.28-0.94), instant coffee-mix consumption > 1 cup/week (AOR 1.44; 95%CI 1.02-2.04), higher number of chronic diseases (≥1 disease AOR 1.82; 95%CI 1.01-2.68, > 2 diseases AOR 2.15; 95%CI 1.32-3.50), and higher spot urine sodium level (AOR 1.002; 95%CI 0.99-1.01).

Background Elevated pulse pressure (PP) is a robust independent predictor of cardiovascular diseases. The relationship between PP and body mass index (BMI) was presented in a few studies. However, the findings were inconsistent. Therefore, the aim of the present study is to identify the association between elevated PP and BMI using a large sample of active-duty Royal Thai Army (RTA) personnel. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted through the use of the dataset obtained from the annual health examination database of RTA personnel in Thailand in 2022. BMI 25.0–29.9 kg/m2 was classified as obesity I, whereas BMI ≥ 30.0 kg/m2 was classified as obesity II. Elevated PP was defined as PP ≥ 50 mmHg. Multivariable linear regression and log-binomial regression models were utilized for determining the association between elevated PP and BMI. Results A total of 62,113 active-duty RTA personnel were included in the study. The average BMI was 25.4 ± 3.8 kg/m2, while the average PP was 50.1 ± 11.2 mmHg. Compared to individuals with normal weight, the $$\beta$$ β coefficients of PP and BMI were 1.38 (95% CI: 1.15–1.60) and 2.57 (95% CI: 2.25–2.88) in individuals with obesity I and obesity II, respectively. Effect modification by high blood pressure (BP) on the association between elevated PP and BMI was observed. Among participants with normal BP, in comparison with BMI of 18.5–22.9 kg/m2, the adjusted prevalence ratio (PR) for elevated PP was 1.23 (95% CI: 1.19–1.28) and 1.41 (95% CI: 1.35–1.48) in those with obesity I and obesity II, respectively. Meanwhile, among individuals with high BP, the adjusted PR for elevated PP was 1.05 (95% CI: 1.01–1.08) and 1.09 (95% CI: 1.06–1.13) in those with obesity I and obesity II, respectively. Conclusion PP was positively associated with BMI in active-duty RTA personnel. High BP was the modifier of the association between PP and BMI. A weaker association between elevated PP and BMI was observed among RTA personnel with high BP.

Background: Diabetes is one of the essential noncommunicable diseases associated with an increased risk of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases. However, limited information is available regarding type 2 diabetes (T2D) among Royal Thai Army (RTA) personnel. Objectives: The present study aimed to determine the prevalence of T2D among RTA personnel and its associated factors. Methods: We carried out a serial cross-sectional study from 2017 to 2021. A total of 235,491 active-duty RTA personnel aged 35–60 years were included in the study. We defined T2D as fasting plasma glucose ≥126 mg/dL or having a history of T2D diagnosed by medical personnel, or having a history of taking antihyperglycemic medication. We used a multivariable logistic regression model to estimate adjusted prevalence ratios (APR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for behavioral factors associated with T2D. Results: Age- and sex-adjusted T2D prevalence among RTA personnel was 17.9% (95% CI 17.5%- 18.2% in 2017 and then decreased to 16.5% (95% CI 16.1%–16.8%) in 2021 (p for trend < 0.001). The age-adjusted prevalence of T2D among males and females was 17.6 (95% CI 17.4%–17.8%) and 11.3 (95% CI 11.0%–11.7%), respectively. The independent behavioral factors associated with T2D included current cigarette smoking (APR 1.12; 95%CI 1.10-1.14), current alcohol use (APR 1.03; 95%CI 1.01-1.05), regular exercise (APR 0.89; 95%CI 0.87-0.90), body mass index ≥30 kg/m2 (APR 2.21; 95%CI 2.15-2.27) and hypertension comorbidity (APR 3.97; 95%CI 3.88-4.05). Conclusion: Our study indicated that T2D is a common health issue, especially among males, higher-aged participants and RTA personnel residing in Bangkok and the northeast. Cigarette smoking, alcohol use, and sedentary behavior played an essential role in the prevalence of T2D in this population. Furthermore, obesity and HT comorbidity were related to T2D.