Social Inequalities in Obesity Persist in the Nordic Region Despite Its Relative Affluence and Equity

Abstract

Social inequalities in overweight and obesity (OWOB) have persisted in the affluent and reputedly egalitarian Nordic countries. In this review we examine associations between socioeconomic position (SEP) and OWOB, and secular trends in such associations. Determinants and possible causes of the relations are discussed together with opportunities to cope with OWOB as a public health problem. The findings show a persisting inverse social gradient. An interaction between SEP and gender is noted for adults in Denmark, Finland and Iceland and for children in Sweden. There are overall tendencies for increased inequality, however no consistent trend for an increased social gradient in OWOB. Reasons that increased inequality does not unequivocally mirror in a steepened social gradient in obesity may include methodological questions as well as societal efforts to counteract obesity. Multi-level efforts are needed to prevent OWOB.

Norwegian children and adolescents in blended families are at risk of larger one‐year BMI increments

“…Unfortunately, we did not have information about the timing of the family break-up or the introduction of the stepfamily members which would have been an interesting addition regarding the timing of the unfavourable weight development. 6,17 In accordance with other studies, 3,30 we found an association between parental educational level and the BMI in their offspring.…”

Change in BMI Distribution over a 24‐Year Period and Associated Socioeconomic Gradients: A Quantile Regression Analysis

“…The prevalence of OW and OB at different time points found in this study is in line with prevalence documented in other Norwegian studies conducted in similar periods among comparable samples . The increase in the prevalence of OW and OB over time has also been previously documented . The findings of the present study indicated an increase in BMI across all percentile groups, significantly more pronounced for the upper percentiles and minimal in the lower percentiles.…”

Trends in educational inequalities in obesity in 15 European countries between 1990 and 2010

“…For Scotland, reports suggested that societal changes and technological developments have created an obesogenic environment over time that impedes to maintain healthy weight [49,50]. Nordic countries are changing towards a less regulated marketliberalism potentially leading to an increased risk in obesity by a rise in fast-food industry in combination with a more stressful life [51]. While our findings on Scotland are in line with other studies, we were not able to find evidence why Scotland fared worse in the obesity epidemic.…”