Trends in the prevalence of obesity among young Thai men and associated factors: from 2009 to 2016

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of obesity has been increasing in both males and females worldwide. In Thailand, the National Health Examination Surveys reported that the prevalence of obesity (body mass index (BMI) ≥30 kg/m(2)) among Thai male adults aged 20–59 years increased from 1.7% in 1991 to 6.8% in 2009. Obesity has been confirmed to lead to health problems, including noncommunicable diseases. In the present study, we report trends in the prevalence of obesity among new conscripts from 2009 to 2016. We also investigated the associated factors of obesity. METHODS: Serial cross-sectional studies were conducted from 2009 to 2016 among male Royal Thai Army (RTA) conscripts whose weight and height had been measured to determine BMI after being inducted. Each subject completed a detailed risk factor questionnaire. Obesity was defined as BMI ≥ 30 kg/m(2). RESULTS: A total of 26,540 young Thai males conscripted into the RTA were included in this study. The prevalence of obesity was 2.2% in 2009, 3.4% in 2010, 2.5% in 2011, 2.9% in 2012, 3.4% in 2013, 4.4% in 2014, 5.0% in 2015, and 4.8% in 2016 (P for trend < 0.0001). The independent risk factors for obesity were coming from the north central and south regions compared with the northeast, higher education level, indoor occupation and no regular exercise. CONCLUSIONS: Our data emphasized that obesity constitutes a serious problem among young Thai men. We could apply these findings in military units to other groups at any age. Regular exercise should be provided to young adults and other age groups to slow the process of obesity, so that associated complications, especially noncommunicable diseases, will cease.