Stokes A, et al. - This research strived to integrate weight history into estimates of prevalence and trends in obesity in the U.S. adult population. The impact of obesity and its health consequences was observed in a larger fraction of the population than suggested in prior studies based on current body mass index (BMI) alone. Weight history ought to be encompassed into routine health surveillance of the obesity epidemic for a complete accounting of the effects of obesity on the U.S. population.

Methods

• The current BMI and maximum BMI data determined the prevalence and trends in lifetime obesity status, defined using the categories never (maximum BMI ≤30 kg/m²), former (maximum BMI ≥30 kg/m² and current BMI ≤30 kg/m²), and current obesity (current BMI ≥30 kg/m²).
• An estimation was performed of the prevalence during 2013-2014 and trends for the period 1988-2014 through the data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.
• The multivariable regression gauged the predictors of lifetime weight status and the link between lifetime weight categories and prevalent disease status.

Results

• 50.8% of American males and 51.6% of American females were ever obese in 2013-2014.
• The prevalence of lifetime obesity appeared to exceed the prevalence of current obesity by greater numbers for males and for older persons.
• The gap between the two prevalence values rose over time.
• By 2013-2014, a total of 22.0% enrollees, currently not obese had formerly been obese.
• Higher prevalence was reported among the formerly obese than among the never obese, for each of eight diseases considered.