Obesity

Question 0

Long term lifestyle interventions to prevent weight gain and morbidity in adults [paper]

Answer 0

Brown et al, 2009
Systematic review of controlled trials of life interventions in adults with BMI of <35kg/m2 with at least 2 years follow up

11/39 interventions presented with a statistically significant improvement. Weight change ranging from -0.5 to -11.5kg

Interventions:
- diet with behaviour therapy
- diet with exercise
Amongst others

Question 1

New York Cancer Project

Answer 1

Rundle et al, 2007: The Built Environment and Obesity

2000-02 health survey (92% residential census tracts of city represented) : 37% overweight, 28% obese

Controlled for: individual, neighbourhood demographics and urban design

Increased BMI associated with:

• decreased population density
• decreased subway stop density
• decreased use if public transport (assuming: automobile dependence)
• decreased access to health food choices

In conclusion: increased BMI in low walk ability neighbourhoods (often discussed in reference to urban sprawl)

Question 2

Obesity related quality-adjusted life years lost in the US from 1993 to 2008

Answer 2

Jia et al

From 1993-2008, 89.9% increase in obesity prevalence amongst US adults. 127% increase in QALYS lost due to obesity in same time period.

Blacks had higher obesity prevalence
Black women>men, but white men>women

Policy makers should ensure that resources and policies are geared towards most affected populations I.e, black women

Higher BMI most predictive of death from CVD