Trends in overweight, obesity, and central obesity among adults residing in district 13 of Tehran: Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study

 Background :

 This study was conducted to examine trends of prevalence in overweight , obesity and central obesity among Tehranian adults during a 3-year period , between 1999-2002 .

 Materials and methods : Lipid and Glucose Study (TLGS) were measured twice between 1999-2002. Criteria used to define overweight and obesity were body mass index (BMI) 25-29.9 and "30, respectively. Central obesity was defined as waist-hip ratio (WHR) "0.8 in women and"0.9 in men . Individuals were assigned in 10-year groups, then prevalence of obesity , overweight, and central obesity were compared in different sex and age groups .

 Results : 2 in men (p<0.001) and 27.8±4.9 to 28.7±5.9 kg/m 2 in women (p<0.001) . The mean of WHR in women was 0.84±0.08 in 1999 while it changed to 0.88±0.08 in 2002 (p<0.001) . The prevalence of obesity was increased from 32.7% to 40.3% in women and from 16.5% to 20.8% in men. However, the prevalence of overweight did not change (40% vs. 39.5%) in women during the study period . The prevalence of obesity was 32.7 and 40.3 percent in men and 16.5 and 20.8 percent in women in 1999 and 2002, respectively. In both sexes the fastest increasing trends in obesity and central obesity were seen in the 30-40 year old and 20-30 year old age individuals, respectively. Comparison of the 50^th percentile of BMI in all age groups showed a dramatic increase in 2002 as compared to 1999 .

 Conclusion : calling for urgent reaction to educate people in life style modifications