Comparison of epidemiological characteristics of overweight and obesity in adults in Anhui between 2015 and 2013

ObjectiveTo analyze the epidemiological characteristics of overweight, obesity and central obesity in adults in Anhui province.

MethodsBased on the data collected from Chinese Adult Chronic Non-communicable Disease and Risk Factor Surveillance project in 12 surveillance areas of Anhui in 2013 and 2015, the prevalence and distribution characteristics of adult overweight, obesity and central obesity in 2015 were analyzed, and the relevant indicators were compared with 2013.

ResultsIn 2015, the overweight rate, obesity rate, pre-central obesity rate and central obesity rate were 34.69%, 12.96%, 18.79% and 25.50% respectively. The overweight rate was higher in men than in women, the difference was significant ( χ²=7.081, P=0.008). With the increase of age, the overweight rate, obesity rate and central obesity rate all increased first and then decreased ( χ² =8.420, 5.002 and 16.719, all P<0.05). The overweight rate was highest in age group 40–49 years, and the obesity rate and central obesity rate were highest in age group 50–59 years. With the increase of education level, the rates of overweight and central obesity decreased (trend χ²=30.714 and 9.031, both P<0.01). There were significant differences in overweight and pre-central obesity rates among groups with different economic levels (both P<0.05). The highest income group had the lowest overweight rate and pre-central obesity rate. Compared with 2013, the overweight, obesity, pre-obesity and central obesity rates, BMI and waist circumference in adults decreased in 2015, but the rates of overweight and pre-central obesity in men and the overweight rate, obesity rate and BMI in urban area showed increases.

ConclusionThe prevalence of overweight, obesity, pre-central obesity and central obesity in Anhui showed decrease in 2015 compared with 2013, but it still remained at a higher level. Therefore, intervention should be strengthened.