Obesity prevalence among veterans at Veterans Affairs medical facilities

Am J Prev Med. 2005 Apr;28(3):291-4. doi: 10.1016/j.amepre.2004.12.007.

Abstract

Background: Obesity is a significant public health problem in the United States. Comprehensive obesity prevalence data among veterans have not been previously reported.

Methods: This is a cross-sectional analysis of 1,803,323 veterans receiving outpatient care at 136 Veterans Affairs (VA) medical facilities in 2000. Measured weight, height, and demographic data were used to obtain age-adjusted prevalences of body mass index (BMI) categories, which were stratified by gender and examined by age and race/ethnicity.

Results: Of 93,290 women American veterans receiving care at VA medical facilities during 2000, 68.4% were at least overweight (body mass index [BMI]> or =25 kg/m(2)), with 37.4% classified as obese (BMI> or =30 kg/m(2)), and 6.0% as class-III obese (BMI> or =40 kg/m(2)). Of 1,710,032 men, 73.0% were at least overweight, 32.9% were obese, and 3.3% were class-III obese. Among women, obesity prevalence increased into the sixth and seventh decade of life before prevalence began to decline. Among men, prevalence was lowest for those aged <30 and >70. By race/ethnicity, Native American women (40.7%) and men (35.1%) had the highest prevalence of obesity, while Asian-American women (12.8%) and men (20.6%) had the lowest.

Conclusions: There is a substantial burden of obesity among veterans using VA medical facilities. A comprehensive approach for weight management by the Veterans Health Administration is needed.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Ethnicity
  • Female
  • Hospitals, Veterans / statistics & numerical data*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Obesity / classification
  • Obesity / epidemiology*
  • Prevalence
  • United States / epidemiology
  • Veterans*