Determinants of Obesity in Relation to Socioeconomic Status among Middle-Aged Swedish Women☆☆☆

摘要: Abstract Background. It has been previously demonstrated that obesity is common among women with low socioeconomic status (SES), but the factors accounting for this association are not well known. According to our hypothesis, SES associated psychosocial stress, an unhealthy lifestyle, and reproductive history, which may increase likelihood of be overweight or obese. Methods. We examined in relation 300 healthy ages 30–65 years, who constitute control group Stockholm Female Coronary Risk Study, a population-based case–control study coronary heart disease. This was compared large sample found representative Swedish years. used aggregate education occupation as measure defined body mass index (BMI) between 23.8 28.6 kg/m 2 BMI > Results. Low strong determinant middle-aged women. The odds being obese increased lower social position. After adjustment age, ratios vs high position were 2.2 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.1 4.4) 2.7 (95% CI 6.7), respectively. Both related history (higher parity earlier age at menarche), dietary habits, unfavorable (poor quality life, self-esteem, job strain). These together explained 53% low-SES-obesity association. Conclusions. Reproductive stress accounted part obesity. Dietary habits potentially modifiable factors, should taken into account intervention programs SES.