Social class and weight history predict adult obesity

The prevalence of obesity, a risk factor for many chronic diseases, is increasing worldwide. Identifying predictors of obesity is important for categorizing individuals at high risk, so they may be targeted for early prevention strategies. Laitinen et al., in a retrospective study of residents of Northern Finland, found that familial social class, maternal body mass index (BMI), adolescent BMI, and age at menarche were all predictive of obesity at age 31.

The BMI of 2,876 males and 3,404 females born in 1966 was calculated at birth, along with their mothers¡¯ BMI, and again at ages 1, 14 and 31. Their fathers¡¯ occupation and educational attainment at the time of their birth determined the social class of the subjects¡¯ family of origin. At age 31, 40% of the men and 20% of the women were classified as overweight (BMI >25.0), while 8% of the men and 9% of the women were classified as obese (BMI¡Ý30.00). The mother¡¯s weight before pregnancy predicted the BMI of her offspring across all social classes. BMI for both men and women at age 31 tended to be lowest in the upper social classes, regardless of the mother¡¯s social class or her BMI. In addition, early age at menarche (11 or younger) was associated with later obesity in women. The strongest predictor of BMI at age 31 in both men and women was BMI at age 14. For instance, 88% of males who were obese at age 14 were either overweight or obese at age 31.

The data regarding the relationship of BMI to social class adds to similar evidence from previous studies. The authors suggest that, "During childhood and adolescence, the manner of living and concerns of suitable body image are learned in a societal context. These features are typical for each social class, and the risk of behavior damaging health is higher in lower socioeconomic groups."

Laitinen, Jaana et al. Family social class, maternal body mass index, childhood body mass index, and age at menarche as predictors of adult obesity. Am J Clin Nutr 2001;74:287-94.

This media release is provided by The American Society for Clinical Nutrition to provide current information on nutrition-related research. This information should not be construed as medical advice. If you have a medical concern, consult your doctor. To see the complete text of this article, please go to:

http://faseb.org/ajcn/September/11820-Laitinen.pdf

For more information, please contact: jaana.laitinen@occuphealth.fi

---

---