Fat free mass and obesity in relation to educational level

• Main Authors: Rissanen Harri (Author), Knekt Paul (Author), Männistö Satu (Author), Lahti-Koski Marjaana (Author), Seppänen-Nuijten Elina (Author), Aromaa Arpo (Author), Heliövaara Markku (Author)
• Format: Book
• Published: BMC, 2009-12-01T00:00:00Z.
• Subjects: article
• Online Access: Connect to this object online.

Summary

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The aim of the study was to describe the body composition of Finnish adults, especially by education, and to investigate whether fat-free mass (FFM) can explain educational gradients relating to body mass index (BMI) and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR).</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Data for this cross-sectional study were based on data collected in 2000-2001 for the Health 2000 Survey. Of the nationally representative sample of 8,028 Finnish men and women aged 30 years and older, 6,300 (78.5%) were included in the study. Body composition measurements were carried out in the health examination, where FFM was assessed with eight-polar bioelectrical impedance analysis. Questions on education were included in the health interview.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The mean FFM varied by education in older (≥ 65 y.) men only. In the middle-aged group (30-64 y.), highly educated men were less likely to belong to the lowest quintile of FFM (OR 0.67, 95%CI 0.48-0.93) compared with the least educated subjects. The level of education was inversely associated with the prevalence of high BMI and WHR in middle-aged men. In women, the respective associations were found both in middle-aged women and their older counterparts. Adjustment for FFM slightly strengthened the associations of education with BMI and WHR.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>The association between education and FFM is weak. Educational gradients of high BMI and high WHR cannot be explained by FFM.</p>

Item Description

10.1186/1471-2458-9-448
1471-2458