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International Journal for Equity in Health
Published in: International Journal for Equity in Health 1/2017

Open Access 01-12-2017 | Research

Social disparities in body mass index (BMI) trajectories among Chinese adults in 1991–2011

Authors: Changchun Fang, Ying Liang

Published in: International Journal for Equity in Health | Issue 1/2017

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Abstract

Background

Obesity is a serious public health problem in China. The relationship between obesity and socio-economic status (SES) is changing and affected by uncertainty, particularly, in developing countries. The sex-related differences in body mass index (BMI) trajectories are controversial and require substantial empirical data for updating and enriching.

Methods

This study examined the relationship between SES and BMI in Chinese adults from a dynamic perspective using longitudinal data (1991–2011) from the China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS). Then, sex-related differences were determined. A hierarchical linear model was used.

Results

SES positively affected the male BMI changes, with faster BMI growth rates in the high-SES males over the past 20 years. By contrast, female BMI was only affected by BMI baseline and residential area. Specifically, greater BMI baseline led to greater BMI growth rate and earlier BMI decline. In the past 20 years, the BMI growth rate has been greater in the urban females than in the rural females.

Conclusions

The relationship between SES and obesity is complex in China, and a substantial sex-related difference exists. We argue that this large sex-related difference is due to the rapid economic and social changes that have affected national health and increased the gender inequality and social role restrictions in females. We provide insights for further research and policy recommendations.
Footnotes
1
The data used were collected from individuals at multiple time points. The SES, especially the occupational status, of each individual changes over time. This feature is notable among young people. Under data pre-inspection and processing, the data will be missed if the occupation variable would be included. Thus, this study excluded the occupation variable.
 
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Metadata
Title
Social disparities in body mass index (BMI) trajectories among Chinese adults in 1991–2011
Authors
Changchun Fang
Ying Liang
Publication date
01-12-2017
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
International Journal for Equity in Health / Issue 1/2017
Electronic ISSN: 1475-9276
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12939-017-0636-5

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