Year: 2013
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Background In 2008 over 500 million people worldwide were obese with a rise in obesity expected in England for the next 20 years. The importance of examining obesity mortality is essential because of: (1) Recognition of obesity as one of the root causes of many chronic diseases, (2) As a motivator for health promotion focused on prevention of obesity vs. treatment of diseases as the downstream consequences of obesity. This is essential since chronic diseases linked to obesity threaten the social, economic, and educational growth of both the developed and developing countries, (Harvard School of Public Health), (HSPH, n.d). Hence if obesity is prevented in the first instance it will save revenue and lives in the future. This study provided a new weapon in the obesity surveillance armada that will increase the information available for tackling the obesity epidemic in England. Methods This study involved analysis of secondary data from death records that were obtained from the UKOffice of National Statistics in the form of summary tables. The population chosen was all the individuals that died from obesity as defined by the ICD-9 codes, in England, for the said period. No sampling was required as the entire population was used. The chi-squared test was used to compare trends and associations in age groups, gender, geographical location and years with that of the various types of obesity, with a p-value < 0.05 being considered as statistical significance. Both the proportional obesity and total obesity mortality were investigated in this study. Results There has been an increase in the obesity mortality from 2007 to 2010 in England. The female proportional and total obesity mortality has exceeded that of the males. The age groups of 25 to 39 years had the highest proportion of obesity mortality whereas children had zero, and those > 79 years had decreased proportions of obesity mortalities. The central region of England had the highest total and proportional obesity mortalities. Additionally London was found to have a higher obesity mortality as compared with the rural South West. Conclusions Public health strategies must be implemented to effectively target those who may potentially die from obesity in England namely females, Londoners, and those between 25 to 59 years. Key messages The obesity mortality is increasing and consequently public health measures are required to stop this epidemic. Those affected by this epidemic includes individuals which can potentially have longer and healthier lives.
Authors: RJ Goindoo, L Shaffer
Institution: University of Liverpool
Language: English
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W2586349463