Trends in Overweight and Obesity in Chinese Adults: Between 1991 and 1999–2000

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate trends in BMI and the prevalence of overweight (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m 2 ) and obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m 2 ) between 1991 and 1999-2000 among Chinese adults. Methods and Procedures: In this study, two population-based samples of Chinese adults aged between 45 and 79 years (n = 7,858 during each period), and comparable in the distributions of age, gender, degree of urbanization, and region (North/South) were used. Height and weight were measured using identical procedures at each period, and BMI was calculated as weight (in kilogram) divided by height (in square meter). Results: From 1991 to 1999-2000, the mean BMI increased from 21.8 to 23.4 kg/m 2 among men and from 21.8 to 23.5 kg/m 2 among women (each P < 0.001). Among men, the prevalence of overweight and obesity increased from 9.6 and 0.6%, respectively, in 1991 to 20.0 and 3.0%, respectively, in 1999-2000 (each P < 0.001). Among women, the prevalence of overweight and obesity increased from 14.5 and 1.8%, respectively, in 1991 to 26.5 and 5.2%, respectively, in 1999-2000 (each P < 0.001). The prevalence of overweight and obesity increased in all age groups, in rural and urban areas, and in North and South China, with greater relative increases in obesity among older age groups, South China, and rural areas (P interaction < 0.05). Discussion: Overweight and obesity increased tremendously during the 1990s in China. These data underscore the need for national programs in weight maintenance and reduction, to prevent obesity-related outcomes in China.

The longitudinal effects of behavioral, health, and socio-demographic factors on body mass index among older Chinese adults

“…These prevalence rates are higher than the rate reported in other Chinese study (Wildman et al 2008) and lower than the reported rate in the US (Flegal et al 2010). Among this sample, the average of BMI slightly increased from 23.2 kg/m 2 in 1997 to 23.9 kg/m 2 in 2006.…”

Understanding and Harnessing the Health Effects of Rapid Urbanization in China

“…15 Moreover, climate, lifestyle, diet, and obesity rates are different between various regions in China. 23,24 Even defining urbanicity is challenging given the multifarious features of urbanization in China. A determination of how each of the features of urbanization may influence disease susceptibility has not yet been done.…”

Trends in the association between blood pressure and obesity in a Taiwanese population between 1996 and 2006

“…7,8 With the continuing increases in general well-being and standard of living, it is expected that the problem of obesity will further increase. 9 Although obesity has been shown to be associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes, [10][11][12][13] it is not yet clear whether the increased prevalence of obesity in the Taiwanese population in the last 30 years is reflected by increased risk of chronic disease. Because of rapid economic and population growth, the living environment (for example affordability and availability of food, transportation, housing) has been transformed dramatically, and the mismatch between foetal programming and the subsequent environment may therefore cause health problems in later life.…”