International Journal of Public Health

Rasmussen, Mette; Damsgaard, Mogens Trab; Morgen, Camilla Schmidt; Kierkegaard, Lene; Toftager, Mette; Rosenwein, Stine Vork; Krølner, Rikke Fredenslund; Due, Pernille; Holstein, Bjørn Evald

2020 International Journal of Public Health

doi: 10.1007/s00038-020-01342-1pmid: 32076738

ObjectivesThe aim was to analyze trends in overweight and obesity in relation to socioeconomic position among Danish adolescents in the 20-year period 1998–2018.MethodsThe study used data on self-reported height and weight and parents’ occupational social class (OSC) from 11-, 13- and 15-year-old schoolchildren in 1998, 2002, 2006, 2010, 2014 and 2018, n = 22,177. The analyses included absolute social inequality in overweight/obesity (prevalence difference between low and high OSC) and relative social inequality (OR for overweight/obesity).ResultsIn the total sample, the prevalence of overweight and obesity was 9.7% and 1.4%, respectively, with significantly higher prevalence in low than high OSC. There were significantly increasing trends in both overweight and obesity 1998–2018 in low OSC and no significant increase in high OSC. The OR for overweight was 1.59 (1.42–1.74) in middle and 2.16 (1.89–2.46) in low OSC, OR for obesity 1.74 (1.29–2.34) in middle and 2.97 (2.15–4.11) in low OSC. Associations were not modified by survey year.ConclusionsThere was a persistent absolute and relative social inequality in overweight and obesity 1998–2018 among Danish adolescents.

Xu, Xiaoyue; Ling, Mabel; Inglis, Sally C.; Hickman, Louise; Parker, Deborah

2020 International Journal of Public Health

doi: 10.1007/s00038-020-01337-ypmid: 32052084

ObjectivesTo explore the longitudinal association between food groups and memory loss and comorbid heart disease and diabetes (both Type 1 and 2) for people living in New South Wales, Australia.MethodsWe assessed 139,096 adults (aged 45 years and over) from the 45 and Up Study who completed both baseline (2006–2009) and follow-up (2012–2015) surveys. Mixed linear and generalized estimating equation models were used to examine the longitudinal associations.ResultsHigh consumption of fruit, vegetable and protein-rich food associated with lower odds of memory loss. High consumption of fruit and vegetables also associated with lower odds of comorbid heart disease (p ≤ 0.001). People who aged ≥ 80 years with low consumption of cereals had the highest odds of memory loss and comorbid heart disease than people in other age groups (p < 0.01).ConclusionsThe results highlighted the longitudinal association of fruit and vegetable in relation to memory loss and comorbid heart disease. Age effects on cereals consumption which have an influence on memory loss and comorbid heart disease.