Trends and forecast of obesity in Finland

Abstract

Background:Owing to the detrimental and costly effects of obesity on public health, monitoring obesity trends at the population level is necessary. This study examines long-term time trends and projects future trends of obesity among Finnish adults.Methods:Four national health examination surveys with a representative samples and a total of 26 956 men and women (aged 30 years and older) were conducted between 1978 and 2017. Height and weight were measured and obesity was defined as a body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m2 or higher and severe obesity as BMI of 35 kg/m2 or higher. Logistic and linear regression with inverse probability weights were used in the analysis to correct for the effects of non-response and different sampling probabilities.