Financial hardship is associated with greater odds of obesity. Evidence from people aged 50 and over in the epic cohort, UK
Annalijn Conklin (CEDAR)
14.30, Tuesday 9 July. Millennium Lounge, level 5
Objective
To examine the association between financial hardship and the likelihood of obesity, while considering conventional socioeconomic indicators.
Design
Cross-sectional study in population-based cohort, Norfolk, UK.
Outcomes
Prevalent obesity (BMI ≥30kg/m2) calculated from objectively measured weight and height.
Participants
All adults ≥50 years responding to a postal Health and Life Experiences Questionnaire (1996-2000) and had a follow-up clinical assessment (1998-2002) (between 10,113 and 10,137).
Results
After SES adjustment, having less than enough money for needs increased the likelihood of obesity to 2.04 in women (95% CI: 1.54, 2.69) and 1.83 in men (95% CI: 1.34, 2.49) (versus more than enough). Always/often not having enough money for food or clothing remained associated with a greater likelihood of obesity in women (1.40; 95% CI: 1.03, 1.90) and in men (1.81; 95% CI: 1.28, 2.56), compared to never. Independent associations between greatest level of difficulty paying bills and odds of obesity were 2.20 for women (95% CI: 1.37, 3.55) and 2.40 for men (95% CI: 1.38, 4.17) (reference is none).
Conclusion
Obesity in British adults 50 and over is more likely with greater financial hardship, even after considering education, social class and home ownership. Efforts to reduce obesity need to address older people’s contemporaneous spending power.
To examine the association between financial hardship and the likelihood of obesity, while considering conventional socioeconomic indicators.
Design
Cross-sectional study in population-based cohort, Norfolk, UK.
Outcomes
Prevalent obesity (BMI ≥30kg/m2) calculated from objectively measured weight and height.
Participants
All adults ≥50 years responding to a postal Health and Life Experiences Questionnaire (1996-2000) and had a follow-up clinical assessment (1998-2002) (between 10,113 and 10,137).
Results
After SES adjustment, having less than enough money for needs increased the likelihood of obesity to 2.04 in women (95% CI: 1.54, 2.69) and 1.83 in men (95% CI: 1.34, 2.49) (versus more than enough). Always/often not having enough money for food or clothing remained associated with a greater likelihood of obesity in women (1.40; 95% CI: 1.03, 1.90) and in men (1.81; 95% CI: 1.28, 2.56), compared to never. Independent associations between greatest level of difficulty paying bills and odds of obesity were 2.20 for women (95% CI: 1.37, 3.55) and 2.40 for men (95% CI: 1.38, 4.17) (reference is none).
Conclusion
Obesity in British adults 50 and over is more likely with greater financial hardship, even after considering education, social class and home ownership. Efforts to reduce obesity need to address older people’s contemporaneous spending power.