The association between obesity and race among Brazilian adults is dependent on sex and socio-economic status

Prevalence and Sociodemographic Factors Associated with Overweight and Obesity Among Adults in Colombia: A Pooled Analysis

Given the increased prevalence of overweight and obesity in adults in Colombia, estimating the effect of sociodemographic factors on overweight and obesity is crucial for creating and implementing public health policies. A pooled analysis was performed using a multinomial logistic regression model through Colombian Nutritional Situation Surveys held in 2010 and 2015. The study included Colombian adults between 18 and 64 years old (n = 162,119). Overall, the prevalence of obesity increased from 16.47 percent in 2010 to 18.67 percent in 2015, being higher in women than in men in both surveys. Multinomial logistic regression analysis revealed that the most critical factor of being overweight and obese were older age, having a higher level of education, being engaged in household activities, and living in regions other than the country's capital. Additionally, for obesity, belonging to the Afro Colombian racial-ethnic group and being a woman were associated with an increased probability. In conclusion, these results provide more information on the sociodemographic factors related to overweight and obesity, which will help focus public health policies on higher-risk populations, such as racial-ethnic communities.

Differences in Body Weight According to Skin Color and Sex in Mexican Adults

OBJECTIVES

1) To analyze the differences in body weight according to skin color in Mexican adults. 2) Identify mediator variables that could explain possible differences in body weight according to skin color.

METHODS

A nationally representative survey of Mexican adults was analyzed (n = 12,021). People with obesity were identified (body mass index, BMI > 30) based on self-reported weight and height. Skin color was measured by self-report using a chromatic scale. The mediator variables were socioeconomic level, height, neighborhood public services, public safety, and discrimination based on skin color.

RESULTS

Compared to white-skinned women, brown-skinned women had higher BMI and a higher probability of being obese. These differences in weight by skin color are related to the lower level of education and more discrimination experiences of brown-skinned women. In men, there were no differences in weight according to skin color.

CONCLUSIONS

In Mexican women (but not in men), darker skin color was associated with a higher probability of being obese, and the examined social factors partially explained this disparity.

[Obesity sociodemographic and behavioral factors: a longitudinal study]

This study aimed to investigate the association between sociodemographic and behavioral factors and obesity from 2014 to 2021 in adults in São Paulo city, Brazil. A prospective study was carried out with 1,241 adults aged 18 years or above who lived in São Paulo and participated in the São Paulo Health Survey cohort (ISA) - Physical Activity and Environment. The outcome was obesity (yes/no), classified by body mass index and specific cut-off points for each age group. The exposure variables included sex, age, education, skin color, marital status, regional health coordination, physical activity in the four domains, and sedentary behaviors. Multilevel logistic regression models were used for longitudinal analysis. This study found a significant increase (27.7%) in the prevalence of obesity (from 22.6% to 28.9%). People who practiced at least 150 minutes of leisure-time physical activity per week (OR = 0.44; 95%CI: 0.26; 0.76), between 10 and 150 minutes per week of commuting physical activity (OR = 0.49; 95%CI: 0.30; 0.80), and had no partner (OR = 0.47; 95%CI: 0.28; 0.78) were less likely to be obese. People aged from 40 to 59 years (OR = 5.00; 95%CI: 2.02; 12.38) and who were black (OR = 4.70; 95%CI: 1.85; 11.95) were more likely to be obese. This study found an increase in the prevalence of obesity during the studied period, with increased odds for middle-aged and black people and decreased odds for those without a partner and those who practice physical activities in their leisure and as a form of commuting. These results can contribute to support programs and policies to control obesity.

Determinants of obesity in Latin America

Obesity rates are increasing almost everywhere in the world, although the pace and timing for this increase differ when populations from developed and developing countries are compared. The sharp and more recent increase in obesity rates in many Latin American countries is an example of that and results from regional characteristics that emerge from interactions between multiple factors. Aware of the complexity of enumerating these factors, we highlight eight main determinants (the physical environment, food exposure, economic and political interest, social inequity, limited access to scientific knowledge, culture, contextual behaviour and genetics) and discuss how they impact obesity rates in Latin American countries. We propose that initiatives aimed at understanding obesity and hampering obesity growth in Latin America should involve multidisciplinary, global approaches that consider these determinants to build more effective public policy and strategies, accounting for regional differences and disease complexity at the individual and systemic levels.

Overweight and obesity in adulthood, sociodemographic factors, lifestyle, and the early burden of noncommunicable diseases among Americans: NHANES 2007-2018

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the association between nutritional status in early adulthood and the burden of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs); To evaluate the influence of sociodemographic factors and lifestyle on the outcomes of BMI kg/m2  ≤24.9, ≥25.0, and ≥30.0; to estimate the population attributable fraction (PAF) to BMI elevated at 25 years old in the burden of NCDs in American adults.

METHODS

We used data from 15 721 American adults participating in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2007 to 2018. The Hazard Ratio (HR), Incidence Rate Ratio (IRR), and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated in the proportional risk regression models of Cox (entire population) and Poisson (restricted to non-patients), respectively. The proportionality of the risk between the burden of NCDs and BMI at 25 years old was drawn by the Kaplan-Meier curve, and the PAF was calculated. All analyses were adjusted taking into account the sample weights.

RESULTS

Health disparities (sex, age, race/ethnicity, education, poverty index, and education level), and lifestyle (physical activity, smoking, and alcohol consumption) influenced the current nutritional status. Cumulative survival in overweight and obese groups decreased considerably over time (p < .0001). Being overweight and obese in adulthood may increase the risk of early NCDs (HR: 1.68, 95% CI: 1.54-1.84 and HR: 2.87, 95% CI: 2.56-3.21, respectively). About 22.72% (95% CI: 19.99-25.36, p < .001) of the burden NCDs could have been avoided if overweight at age 25 had been prevented.

CONCLUSIONS

Monitoring weight change from young adulthood can provide a sensitive and useful clinical measure for early detection of adverse trends in NCDs risk.

Racial discrimination predicts the increase in body weight and BMI in Black individuals from ELSA-Brasil cohort

We investigated whether racial discrimination accelerates the weight and Body Mass Index (BMI) gain in Blacks and Browns participants of the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil) in four years of follow-up. We compared body weight and BMI between the 1st (2008-2010) and 2nd visit (2012-2014) of 5,983 Blacks and Browns participants. Exposure to racial discrimination and covariates (age, sex, education, and research center) were obtained at the 1st visit. Linear mixed effects models stratified by race/skin color were used. Report of racial discrimination was more frequent among Blacks (32.1%) than Browns (6.3%). During the follow-up period, Blacks and Browns gained an average of 1.4kg and 1.2kg, respectively. This increase was greater among those who reported discrimination when compared to those who did not, both in Blacks (2.1kg vs.1.0kg, p < 0.001) and Browns (1.9kg vs. 1.1kg, p < 0.05). The results of the interaction between racial discrimination and time showed that Blacks, but not Browns, who reported racial discrimination had greater weight and BMI gains between visits. Our results suggest that reducing racial discrimination would contribute to prevent and/or control obesity increase in the country.

Sugar-sweetened beverage taxes in Brazil: past, present, and future

Increasing rates of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) (obesity, type 2 diabetes, and dental caries) are positively associated with the consumption of added sugars, particularly in sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB). Governments worldwide have implemented SSB taxes to reduce the consumption of sugars added to beverages to reduce the prevalence of NCDs. There is a tax on manufactured products, including SSBs in Brazil. However, in 2016 and 2018, the Brazilian federal government decreased the tax rate, bucking global trends. The SSB industry has criticised such policies, and current tax levels are too low to reduce consumption sufficiently to prevent harm. Research supports positive public health impact potential for a higher SSB tax in Brazil. Sharing experience among countries and complementary policies (nutrition education and front of pack labelling) could increase the positive impacts of an SSB tax. We describe the history of SSB taxes in Brazil and the rationale it provides for specific SSB taxes across the country.

Racial inequality, racial discrimination and obesity incidence in adults from the ELSA-Brasil cohort

BACKGROUND

This study investigated whether self-reported race/skin colour and perceived racial discrimination predict higher obesity incidence after approximately 4-year follow-up of the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil). We also investigated whether these associations are modified by educational level.

METHODS

Following exclusion of individuals defined as obese (body mass index ≥30 kg/m2) at baseline, associations between race/skin colour and obesity incidence between the first (2008-2010) and second (2012-2014) visits were investigated in 10 130 participants. Next, associations between perceived racial discrimination and obesity incidence among black (n=1532) and brown (n=2958) individuals were investigated separately. Racial discrimination (yes/no) was assessed using the Lifetime Major Event Scale. Logistic regression models adjusted for age, sex and research site were used. All analyses were stratified for educational level.

RESULTS

Obesity risk was higher in Blacks with high education compared with white individuals to the same education level (OR: 2.22; 95% CI 1.62 to 3.04) following adjustments. After adjustments, obesity incidence was higher among black individuals reporting racial discrimination compared with peers who did not report this experience, but only among the low education group (OR: 1.64; 95% CI 1.08 to 2.51). No statistical association with perceived discrimination was observed among brown individuals.

CONCLUSION

Results are congruent with findings from other studies reporting associations between racial inequality and obesity incidence and also suggest racial discrimination may be one of the mechanisms leading to such inequalities. Also, it supports the paradox theory by which education modify the association in distinct directions.

Prevalence of overweight and obesity and associated factors among women of childbearing age in Brazil

OBJECTIVE

To assess the factors associated with overweight and obesity among women of childbearing age in Brazil.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

SETTING

Using the National Health Survey (PNS) database, from the year 2013. The socio-economic and demographic factors analysed were age, race/skin colour, region, marital status, education level, employment and family income. Concerning health history, diagnoses of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, high cholesterol, heart attack, stroke, chronic kidney disease, menarche, parity and depression were evaluated. For lifestyle information, health status, alcoholic beverage consumption, smoking and physical activity were included. The outcomes were obesity and overweight. The association of excess weight with socio-economic and demographic factors, health history and lifestyle characteristics was investigated according to the appropriate theoretical-conceptual model for the topic.

PARTICIPANTS

The sample size was 17 109 women aged 18-49 years.

RESULTS

The prevalence of women with excess weight was 55·20 %, with 33·26 % being overweight and 21·94 % with obesity. The factors associated with excess weight were age, non-white skin colour, having a partner, family income of up to two minimum wages, menarche before the age of 12, multiparity, diabetes mellitus, depression, hypertension, high cholesterol, stroke and heart attack.

CONCLUSION

The results showed an association between excess weight and socio-demographic factors, both determinants of general and reproductive health history. Implementation of effective public health policies is necessary to prevent unfavourable outcomes related to the health of women of childbearing age with excess weight.

Demographic and Socioeconomic Determinants of Body Mass Index in People of Working Age

Obesity is currently the most common metabolic disease, causing numerous health problems and, if untreated, leading to premature mortality. Obesity is a significant issue among people of working age since their ability to work depends directly on their health condition and psychomotor fitness. Demographic and socioeconomic factors have a significant impact on the body weight of people of working age. The aim of this study is to identify relationships between the body mass index and selected demographic and socioeconomic variables in working-age residents of the city of Wrocław, Poland. The study involved 4315 respondents (2206 women and 2109 men) aged 18–64 years from Wrocław. The sample selection was random and purposive, using multilevel stratification. The applied research tool was the authors’ own cross-sectional diagnostic questionnaire of socioeconomic status. Based on the collected data, the respondents’ body weight was categorized according to WHO criteria. The majority of respondents (60%) had a normal body weight, while 40% were categorized as overweight or obese. The difference was statistically significant (p < 0.001). Sex, age, occupational status, marital status, number of people in the household, having a steady source of income, disposable (net) income, and savings were significantly correlated (p < 0.001) with respondents’ body mass index. Public health programs aimed at promoting healthy lifestyle behaviors should be addressed primarily to groups at the highest risk of overweight and obesity.

Raça e obesidade na população feminina negra: uma revisão de escopo

Resumo Cerca de 40% da população mundial está acima do peso, sendo a obesidade mais frequente nos estratos com menores rendimentos e tempo de estudo. A relação entre ganho de peso e fatores sociodemográficos é bem documentada, mas poucos pesquisadores buscam associar obesidade com raça/cor. Desta forma, este artigo visa mapear, na literatura científica, a extensão, o alcance e a natureza da relação entre obesidade e raça, por meio de revisão de escopo. As fontes informacionais foram os bancos de dados Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (Medline), Excerpta Medica Database (Embase), Web of Science, Health InterNetwork Access to Research Initiative (Hinari) e Scopus, além da literatura cinza. Foram encontrados 2.526 artigos, permanecendo 10 documentos após eliminadas as duplicatas e aplicados os critérios de inclusão e exclusão. Existe uma relação complexa entre raça, obesidade, nível socioeconômico e gênero, cuja especificidade se dá em função do contexto sócio-histórico. As possíveis explicações para as disparidades raciais na obesidade residem nos efeitos fisiológicos, psicológicos e culturais do estresse devido à discriminação racial. Novos estudos devem ser realizados considerando as diferenças regionais, pois a desigualdade racial, embora aconteça em todos os lugares, assume diferentes formatos.