Prevalence of overweight and obesity, and relationship to physical activity among Norwegian women (18-65) in 1991 and 2004

Abstract

Background:

The increase in obesity has been described in the US as a major health problem. Recent European and Scandinavian studies indicate similar issues, yet little longitudinal data exists. Increased weight and BMI could indicate a lifestyle with a non-healthy diet and sparsely physical activity.

Objective:

To study the prevalence of overweight and obesity in the general population of women aged 18-65 years in Norway 1991 (n=1849) and 2004 (n=1521).

Methods:

Body Mass Index categories (kg/m2) were constructed based on self-reported height and weight. Questions on physical activity were added as well as items concerning pathological eating behaviors.

Results:

The main findings are presented in Table 1. We will also present results concerning the relationship between obesity and physical activity.

Discussion:

The overall overweight/obesity group has increased nearly 2.5 times from 1991 to 2004. A double increase in overweight, and a triple increase in the obesity 1 and 3 categories were found. These results are discussed in terms of changes in lifestyles and inactivity. In addition, suggestions are given on how to deal with this increasing health problem in the population.

Table 1

Obesity in 1991 and 2004.

BMI categories		1991	2004
Overweight	25–29.9	12.8	28.8
Obesity 1	30–34.9	2.3	6.7
Obesity 2	35–39.9	0.9	1.2
Obesity 3	≥ 40	0.2	0.6
Total		16.2	37.3