Obesity and Chosen Non-Communicable Diseases in PURE Poland Cohort Study

Introduction: Obesity has been associated with a higher risk of morbidity, disability, and death. The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of obesity and chosen non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in the PURE Poland cohort study. Material and Methods: The study covers a group of 2035 people (1281 women and 754 men), who live in urban and rural areas of Lower Silesian voivodeship. The baseline study was conducted between 2007–2010. The data on demographic status and history of diseases were collected using questionnaires. The anthropometric parameters, blood pressure, blood lipids, and glucose level were measured. Results: Normal body weight was observed in 28.1% of participants, whereas overweight and obesity were observed in 40.1% and 31.1% of participants, respectively. Moreover, there was a significant difference in the body weight between genders. Prevalence of obesity was similar in men and women (31.0% and 31.1%, respectively). Obesity was more prevalent in rural vs. urban residents (38.5% and 26.0%, respectively). In a logistic regression analysis, the odds for obesity was two-fold higher in participants aged >64 years and rural inhabitants (OR 1.91; 95% CI 1.36–2.70; OR 1.79; 95% CI 1.48–2.16, respectively). Participants with obesity had 2.5-fold higher odds for diabetes and hypertension and two-fold higher odds for CHD in comparison with non-obese individuals (OR 2.74; 95% CI 2.01–3.73, OR 2.54; 95% CI 2.03–3.17, OR 1.88; 95% CI 1.26–2.80, respectively). Conclusions: Taken together, the prevalence of obesity was associated with particular socio-demographic factors (age, place of residence, and level of education) as well as diabetes, hypertension, and coronary heart disease.