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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Dong-Chul Seo, PhD and Mohammad R. Torabi, PhD. Applied Health Science, Indiana University, 1025 E. 7th St., Bloomington, IN 47405, 812-855-9379, seo@indiana.edu

Purpose: We examined racial/ethnic differences in body mass index (BMI) and attitudes toward obesity, and the relationship between existence of current morbidity and BMI. Methods: We conducted a random-digit telephone survey in 2005 of a nationally representative sample of noninstitutionalized adults aged 18 years or older (62% response rate and 82% cooperation rate). Non-Hispanic Blacks and Hispanics were oversampled to produce reliable estimates for these groups. Standard errors and odds ratios were calculated utilizing SUDAAN software, reflecting differential probabilities of selection. Results: The prevalence of overweight or obesity in 2005 among US adults was 63%. Racial disparities in obesity were observed among women, not among men. The mean BMI of non-Hispanic Black women was 29.8, significantly (P < .01) higher than that of non-Hispanic White women. Eighteen percent of the respondents reported having serious morbidities with 8.5% reporting diabetes. A dose-response relationship was observed between BMI groups and existence of morbid conditions (27% of obese respondents and 55% of extremely obese respondents reported such conditions). Race (Blacks vs. Whites) was not a significant predictor for any of the six different attitudes and perceptions toward obesity in fully adjusted logistic models. Conclusions: There is no evidence of plateau or decrease in the prevalence of overweight or obesity and diabetes among US adults. Racial disparities between Blacks and Whites persist among women. A modification of attitudes and perceptions would likely have only minimal effects on people's behavior that can influence the prevalence of overweight and obesity.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participants in this session will be able to

• Understand racial/ethnic differences in body mass index (BMI) and recognize the prevalence of overweight and obesity in US adults by sex and racial/ethnic group
• Recognize the relationships between BMI groups and existence of morbid conditions
• Identify demographic correlates associated with attitudes and perceptions toward obesity among US adults

Keywords: Obesity,

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No