Smoking status and obesity in Lithuanian adult population
Background Cigarette smoking and obesity are the important risk factors for major chronic diseases. The aim of the study was to examine the association between smoking status and prevalence of obesity among Lithuanian population aged 20–64. Methods The data for the study were derived from seven cross-sectional Lithuanian health behaviour surveys conducted within the international Finbalt Health Monitor project during 1994–2006. An independent national random sample of 3000 inhabitants was taken from National Population Register for every survey. The data were collected through postal surveys. The response rate varied from 59.2% to 74.4%. The assessment of weight and height was based on self-reports. Obesity was defined as BMI >30 kg/m2. The prevalence of obesity was compared among daily smokers, ex-smokers and never smokers. Logistic regression was used to assess the association between prevalence of obesity and smoking status with adjustment by age, education and place of residence. Results Since 1994 the prevalence of daily smoking has increased among women from 6% to 15%, and has not changed among men (43%). The increase in obesity prevalence was observed only among men. In 2006, the proportion of obese was 20.6% among men and 19.2% among women. Obesity was least prevalent among daily smokers and most prevalent among ex-smokers in all surveys. Every fifth men who quit up smoking over a year ago and every tenth smoker were obese. Among women, the differences between smoking categories [...].