BMI and obesity in US blood donors: A potential public health role for the blood centre

Abstract

Objective According to the 2007-2008 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, the prevalence of obesity in the US population was 338 %; 343 % and 382 %, respectively, in middle-aged men and women. We asked whether available blood donor data could be used for obesity surveillance.Design Cross-sectional study of BMI and obesity, defined as BMI 300 kg/m2. Adjusted odds ratios (aOR) were calculated with logistic regression.Setting A network of six US blood centres.Subjects Existing data on self-reported height and weight from blood donors, excluding persons deferred for very low body weight.Results Among 1 042 817 donors between January 2007 and December 2008, the prevalence of obesity was 251 %; 257 % in men and 244 % in women. Obesity was associated with middle age (age 50-59 years v. <20 years: aOR = 192 for men and 181 for women), black (aOR = 157 for men and 235 for women) and Hispanic (aOR = 147 for men and 149 for women) race/ethnicity compared with white race/ethnicity, and inversely associated with higher educational attainment (college degree v. high school or lower: aOR = 056 for men and 048 for women) and double red cell donation and platelet donation.Conclusions Obesity is common among US blood donors, although of modestly lower prevalence than in the general population, and is associated with recognized demographic factors. Blood donors with higher BMI are specifically recruited for certain blood collection procedures. Blood centres can play a public health role in obesity surveillance and interventions. © 2012 The Authors.