Abstract
Objective To identify and cluster potential sociodemographic and lifestyle determinants of excess weight (Body Mass Index (BMI) ≥ 25 kg/m2) in Switzerland. Research Methods & Procedures Participants of the cross-sectional nutrition survey menuCH (2014/2015, N=2,057) were categorised according to BMI. Logistic regressions were conducted with sociodemographic (age, language region, education, household income, household status) and lifestyle factors (smoking, self-rated health status (SRH), physical activity, energy intake, Alternate Healthy Eating Index (AHEI) to identify determinants of excess weight. Factorial analysis and clustering were applied to identify patterns among individuals with excess weight (N=891). Results Poor/very poor SRH and low levels of physical activity were associated with increased odds for obesity in men (odds ratios (OR) = 5.39 (95% confidence interval (CI) = 5.30-5.48), OR = 2.51 (2.14-2.95), respectively) and women (OR = 12.40 (11.59-13.26), OR = 4.83 (3.04-7.67), respectively). In both sexes AHEI score was inversely associated with the probability of having obesity. Cluster analysis identified four distinct patterns: “Young living with parents” (14.6%), “Men with high educational level” (41.5%), “Women living alone” (34.9%) and “Low educational level and Italian speaking region” (9.0%). Conclusions We identified four discrete subgroups of individuals with excess weight who differed by sociodemographic and lifestyle factors. Such subgroups may prove useful for targeted public health interventions.
Vinci, Linda