Residential property values predict prevalent obesity but do not predict 1 year weight change

OBJECTIVE: Lower socioeconomic status (SES) has been linked with higher obesity rates but not with weight gain. This study examined whether SES can predict short-term weight change. DESIGN AND METHODS: The Seattle Obesity Study II was based on an observational cohort of 440 adults. Weights and heights were measured at baseline and at 1 y. Self-reported education and incomes were obtained by questionnaire. Home addresses were linked to tax parcel property values from the King Co. tax assessor. Associations among SES variables, prevalent obesity, and 1 y weight change were examined using multivariable linear regressions. RESULTS: Low residential property values at tax parcel predicted prevalent obesity at baseline and at 1 y. Living in the top quartile of house prices reduced obesity risk by 80% at both time points. At 1 year, about 38% of the sample lost >1kg body weight; 32% maintained (± 1kg), and 30% gained >1kg. In adjusted models, none of the baseline SES measures had any impact on 1 y weight change. CONCLUSIONS: SES variables, including tax parcel property values predicted prevalent obesity but did not predict short-term weight change. These findings, based on longitudinal cohort data, suggest other mechanisms are involved in short-term weight change.