Obesity trends in populations of the Russian Federation and the United States of America. Thirty-year long dynamics

Aim. To evaluate the dynamics of obesity and mean body mass index (BMI) in Russia and USA in various age and gender categories during 1975-2014.

Material and methods. By a repeat analysis of one-moment studies of Russian and US population in 1975-1982 and 2007-2014, the values of obesity and BMI were assessed in men and women age 25-64 y. o. Into analysis, the data was included from Russian part of the Lipid Clinics study and multicenter ESSE-RF study (Epidemiology of cardiovascular diseases and risk factors in various regions of Russian Federation). American data acquired from the studies NHANES (National Health And Nutrition Examination Survey), open access. Total number of observations 48974.

Results. In the 80s of XX century in all age groups of women the mean BMI levels were lower in USA comparing to Russia, in men there were no significant differences. For the following 30 years in Russia the situation improved for men and women <45 y. o. — differences with USA changed modality, and currently BMI in Russia is lower than in USA.

Conclusion. Russia was below the US 30 years ago by the mean BMI in females of all ages, with no differences for males. For the following 30 years in the US there was significant increase of BMI in all age strata of men and women, and in Russia dynamics was the same, but lesser. Comparison of the prevalence of obesity in men 30 years ago showed some predominance of obesity in American males, especially young, but not statistically significant. Russian women had higher prevalence of obesity regardless of age. Currently, obesity in young age is more prevalent in men and women of USA, and >45 years old — in Russia.

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