Trends in body weight among American Indians: Findings from a telephone survey, 1985 through 1996

Abstract

Objectives. This study compared trends in body mass index for American Indian men and women across selected regions of the United States. Methods. Self-reported data were collected from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. Results. Among women in the Dakotas, New Mexico and Arizona, and Washington and Oregon, average adjusted body mass index increased significantly by 0.1 to 0.2 units per year. Among men in Alaska and the Dakotas, average adjusted body mass index also increased significantly by 0.1 to 0.2 units each year. Conclusions. Because of rapid increases in average body mass index, some American Indian populations could be burdened by an increased incidence of chronic disease.