Higher income is more strongly associated with obesity than with obesity-related metabolic disorders in Jamaican adults

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

4-1-2004

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: This study compares how income is related to obesity vs two obesity-related cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors - diabetes and hypertension - in adults from Jamaica. DESIGN: Across-sectional population-based survey was used. In total, 847 men and 1249 women aged 25-74 y were randomly recruited from a periurban area in 1993-1998. MEASUREMENTS: Trained interviewers measured anthropometry and blood pressure, obtained fasting blood and collected self-reported data on income and disease history. RESULTS: Income was strongly and positively associated with obesity in men. In women, obesity levels were high even among the very poor, and the income gradient was more moderate. Although obesity - and particularly central fatness - was strongly associated with diabetes and hypertension prevalence, income was not significantly related to these disorders. CONCLUSIONS: Future research in developing countries should independently explore associations between income and obesity vs obesity-related disorders, and identify factors that explain any disparities.

Publication Source (Journal or Book title)

International Journal of Obesity

First Page

543

Last Page

550

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