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01-06-2020 | Obesity | Original article

Trends in social inequality in overweight and obesity among adolescents in Denmark 1998–2018

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

Published in: International Journal of Public Health | Issue 5/2020

Abstract

Objectives

The aim was to analyze trends in overweight and obesity in relation to socioeconomic position among Danish adolescents in the 20-year period 1998–2018.

Methods

The 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).

Results

In 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.

Conclusions

There was a persistent absolute and relative social inequality in overweight and obesity 1998–2018 among Danish adolescents.

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Title: Trends in social inequality in overweight and obesity among adolescents in Denmark 1998–2018
Authors: Mette Rasmussen
Mogens Trab Damsgaard
Camilla Schmidt Morgen
Lene Kierkegaard
Mette Toftager
Stine Vork Rosenwein
Rikke Fredenslund Krølner
Pernille Due
Bjørn Evald Holstein
Publication date: 01-06-2020
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Keywords: Obesity
Obesity
Overweight
Published in: International Journal of Public Health / Issue 5/2020
Print ISSN: 1661-8556
Electronic ISSN: 1661-8564
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00038-020-01342-1

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Trends in social inequality in overweight and obesity among adolescents in Denmark 1998–2018

Abstract

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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