English summary: BODY MASS INDEX AND CENTRAL OBESITY AMONG HELSINKI CITY EMPLOYEES

Background

Obesity has become more prevalent in Finland but there is less research on central obesity. This study, forming a part of the Helsinki Health Study, used various indicators to examine the prevalence of obesity and central obesity among middle-aged employees of the City of Helsinki.

Methods

The data were collected by occupational health care in connection with health examinations among employees (n=4 267) aged 40-60 years. Body mass index (BMI) was used to measure overweight and obesity. Waist circumference and waist hip ratio were used to measure central obesity.

Results

Measured by body mass index 49% of women and 66% of men were overweight or obese, and 17% of women and 19% of men were obese. Waist circumference or waist hip ratio exceeding the current recommendations was found in 60% of women and over 70% of men. According to waist circumference 29% of women and 35 % of men, and according to waist hip ratio 30% of women and 14% of men, had central obesity.

About a third of those who were classified as normal weight according to BMI had waist circumference exceeding the current recommendations.

Conclusions

In addition to body mass index, measurements indicating central obesity should be used more often in health care. Waist circumference is the primary measure because it is a useful and simple indicator of the degree of central obesity. These indicators provide important information that can be used in the prevention of obesity-related health problems.