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Overweight or obesity by age, trend
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The questions used to define the indicator were: How tall are you without shoes? How much do you weigh without clothes or shoes?
For 18 years and over, BMI is calculated as follows: BMI = weight(kg)/height(m)². Categories for this indicator include: underweight (BMI less than 20.0), healthy weight (BMI from 20.0 to 24.9), overweight (BMI from 25.0 to 29.9) and obese (BMI of 30.0 and over). Obesity was further classified into: Obesity Class I (BMI between 30.0 and 34.9), Obesity Class II (BMI between 35.0 and 39.9) and Obesity Class III (BMI of 40.0 or over).
For 16-17 year olds, the same categories are used but are linked to international cut off points defined by sex to pass through a BMI of 16, 17, and 18.5 for underweight, 25 for overweight, and 30 for obesity at age 18 years (Cole et al. 2000; Cole et al. 2007).
The validity of self-reported height and weight has been investigated in adult, adolescent, and young adult populations. While many studies have observed a high correlation (96 per cent agreement) between BMI calculated from self-reported and measured height and weight, there is ample evidence that self-reported height and weight is not as exact as measured height and weight but is adequate for conducting epidemiological research.
The indicator covering Overweight or Obesity includes those who are overweight or obese: that is, with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 25.0 or higher: overweight (BMI from 25.0 to 29.9) and obese (BMI of 30.0 and over).
The NSW Ministry of Health has conducted the Adult Population Health Survey (since 1997) and the Child Population Health Survey (since 2001) through the New South Wales Population Health Survey, an ongoing survey of the health of people in NSW using computer-assisted telephone interviewing (CATI). The main aims of the surveys are to provide detailed information on the health of adults and children in NSW and to support planning, implementation and evaluation of health services and programs in NSW.
Survey instrument
The survey instruments include question modules on health behaviours, health status, and other associated factors. The methods and all questions are approved for use by the NSW Population and Health Services Research Ethics Committee. The instrument is translated into 5 languages: Arabic, Chinese, Greek, Italian and Vietnamese.
Survey sample
The target population for the survey is all state residents living in private households. The target sample was approximately 1,000 persons in each of the health administrative areas (total sample 8,000-16,000 depending on the number of administrative areas).
From 1997 to 2010 the random digit dialling (RDD) landline sampling frame was developed as follows. Records from the Australia on Disk electronic white pages (phone book) were geo-coded using MapInfo mapping software [1,2]. The geo-coded telephone numbers were assigned to statistical local areas and area health services. The proportion of numbers for each telephone prefix was calculated by area health service. All prefixes were expanded with suffixes ranging from 0000 to 9999. The resulting list was then matched back to the electronic phone book. All numbers that matched numbers in the electronic phone book were flagged and the number was assigned to the relevant geo-coded area health service. Unlisted numbers were assigned to the area health service containing the greatest proportion of numbers with that prefix. Numbers were then filtered to eliminate continuous non-listed blocks of greater than 10 numbers. The remaining numbers were then checked against the business numbers in the electronic phone book to eliminate business numbers.
From 2011 onwards the RDD landline sampling frame was developed as follows: Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) exchange district and charge zone prefixes were generated for each of the strata (that being the current health administrative areas) using “best fit” postcode [3]. All prefixes were expanded with suffixes ranging from 0000 to 9999. The sample was then randomly ordered within each strata. The estimated numbers required for each strata was then forwarded to Sampleworx for them to use proprietary software to test each numbers current status (valid, in-valid or unknown and business, non-business or unknown) [4]. The resulting valid non-business or unknown numbers were then used for the survey.
From 2012 onwards mobile only phone users were included into the surveys using an overlapping dual-frame design. The RDD mobile sampling frame was developed by Sampleworx using all known Australian mobile prefixes and then using proprietary software each number was tested to identify valid and in-valid numbers [5]. A random sample of valid mobile numbers was then provided for use for the survey.
When the Australia on Disk electronic white pages was available and reliable introductory letters were sent to the selected households (1997 to 2008). Households were contacted using random digit dialling. Depending on the frame either one person from the household was randomly selected or the mobile phone holder was selected for inclusion in the survey.
Interviews
Interviews are carried out continuously between February and December each year. An 1800 freecall contact number and website details are provided to potential respondents, so they can verify the authenticity of the survey and ask any questions regarding the survey. Trained interviewers at the Health Survey Program CATI facility carried out interviews. Up to 7 calls were made to establish initial contact with a household, and up to 5 calls were made in order to contact a selected respondent.
Data analysis
For analysis, the survey sample was weighted to adjust for differences in the probabilities of selection among respondents. Post-stratification weights were used to reduce the effect of differing non-response rates among males and females and different age groups on the survey estimates. These weights were adjusted for differences between the age and sex structure of the survey sample and the Australian Bureau of Statistics latest mid-year population estimates (excluding residents of institutions) for each health administrative area.
Call and interview data were manipulated and analysed using SAS version 9.2 [6]. The Taylor expansion method was used to estimate sampling errors of estimators based on the stratified random sample. The 95 per cent confidence interval provides a range of values that should contain the actual value 95 per cent of the time.
Estimates were smoothed using least-squares spline transformation.
Further information on the methods and weighting process is provided elsewhere [7].
References
- Australia on Disk [software]. Sydney: Australia on Disk, 2004.
- MapInfo [software]. Troy, NY: MapInfo Corporation, 1997.
- Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA). Communications report 2010-11 series: Report 2 – Converging communications channels: Preferences and behaviours of Australian communications users, 2011.
- Sampleworx Pty Ltd. (available online at http://www.sampleworx.com.au.html)
- SAS Institute. The SAS System for Windows version 9.2. Cary, NC: SAS Institute Inc., 2009. Further information available from www.sas.com.
- Centre for Epidemiology and Evidence, NSW Ministry of Health. NSW Adult Population Health Survey Methods (http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/PublicHealth/surveys/methods_adult.asp)
- Centre for Epidemiology and Evidence, NSW Ministry of Health. NSW Child Population Health Survey Methods (http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/PublicHealth/surveys/methods_child.asp)
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Latest available information
Latest available data for adults in NSW:
• 52.6% of adults aged 16 years and over (59.8% of men and 45.4% of women, smoothed estimates) were overweight or obese as estimated from the 2011 NSW Adult Population Health Survey (self reported using CATI, computer-assisted telephone interviewing).
• 55.7% of adults aged 18 years and over (66.3% of men and 44.6% of women) overweight or obese as estimated from the 2008 National Health Survey (self reported using CAPI, computer-assisted personal interviewing).
• 61.2% of adults aged 18 years (69% of men and 53.0% of women) were overweight or obese as estimated from the 2008 National Health Survey (measured).
Latest available data for secondary school student in NSW:
• 21.4% of students aged 12-17 years (26.2% of boys and 15.3% of girls) were overweight or obese as estimated from the 2008 NSW School Students Health Behaviours Survey (self completed questionnaire).
• 22.8% of students in years K, 2, 4, 6 and 10 (24.0% of boys and 21.5% of girls) were overweight or obese as estimated from the 2010 NSW Schools Physical Activity and Nutrition Survey (measured).
Latest available data for children in NSW:
• 28.6% of children aged 2-15 years (29.1% of boys and 28.0% of girls) were overweight or obese as estimated from the 2009-2010 NSW Child Population Health Survey (parent-reported using CATI).
• 23.9% of children aged 5-17 years were overweight or obese as estimated from the 2008 National Health Survey (measured).
• 22.6% of children aged 9-16 years were overweight or obese as estimated from the 2007 Australian National Child Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey (measured).
Latest available data for adult Aboriginal persons in NSW
• 62% of Aboriginal adults aged 16 years and over were overweight or obese as estimated from the 2011 NSW Adult Population Health Survey (self reported using CATI).
Overall trends in NSW
Self reported data on overweight and obesity have been collected for adults in NSW since 1997 through the NSW Population Health Survey and since 1977-78 through the Australian Health Surveys, National Health Surveys (from 1995). Measured data on overweight and obesity have been collected for adults in NSW through the National Nutrition Survey (1995) and the National Health Survey (2007-08).
Self reported data on overweight and obesity have been collected for students in NSW since 2005 through the NSW School Students Health Behaviours Survey and measured data on overweight and obesity have been collected for students in NSW since 1985 through the Australian Health and Fitness Survey and the NSW Schools Fitness and Physical Activity Survey (1997) and the NSW Schools Physical Activity and Nutrition Survey (2004 and 2010).
Parent reported data on overweight and obesity have been collected for children in NSW since 2007 through the NSW Population Health Survey. Measured data on overweight and obesity have been collected for children in NSW since 2008 through the National Health Survey.
Prevalence estimates, although differing slightly between surveys because of different sampling frames, participation rates and modes of collection (telephone versus self completed questionnaires versus face to face personal interview versus measured) have all been increasing over time although the rate of increase has lessened.
Hospitalisations attributable to high body mass
A total of 36,093 hospitalisations were attributed to high body mass in NSW in 2011-12, which was approximately 1.3% of all hospitalisations. The rate of hospitalisations attributed to high body mass decreased by more than 18% in the decade up to 201-12. This was chiefly due to the rate decreasing by more than 20% between 2009-10 and 2011-12 caused by a change in coding of diabetes in hospital data. This change was implemented in NSW hospitals on 1 July 2010. In the decade up to 2009-10, the rate of hospitalisation attributable to high body mass increased by 8% in NSW. The hospitalisation rate in males was 40% greater than the rate in females throughout the decade.
Deaths attributable to high body mass
A total of 2,966 deaths were estimated to be caused by high body mass in NSW in 2007, which was approximately 6.4% of all deaths. The rate of death attributed to high body mass decreased by more than 35% in the decade up to 2007 and the decline was similar in males and females.
References
Centre for Epidemiology and Evidence, NSW Ministry of Health. NSW Adult Population Health Survey (http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/publichealth/surveys/index.asp)
Australian Bureau of Statistics, National Health Survey: Summary of Results (4362.0); State Tables, 2007-2008 (available at: http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/mf/4364.0/)
Centre for Epidemiology and Evidence, NSW Ministry of Health. NSW School Students Health Behaviours Survey (available at: http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/publichealth/surveys/index.asp)
Pyke JE 1987, The Australian Health and Fitness Survey 1985: The fitness, health and physical performance of Australian school students aged 7-15 years, Adelaide: The Australian Council for Health, Physical Education and Recreation (ACHPER).
Booth M, Macaskill P, McLellan L, Phongsavan P, Okely AD, Patterson J 1997, NSW Schools Fitness and Physical Activity Survey, Sydney: NSW Department of School Education.
Hardy L., SPANS 2010 - NSW Schools Physical Activity and Nutrition Survey - Executive Summary, University of Sydney. 2012
Centre for Epidemiology and Evidence, NSW Ministry of Health. NSW Child Population Health Survey (available at: http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/publichealth/surveys/index.asp)
2007 Australian National Child Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey (available at: http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/phd-nutrition-childrens-survey-keyfindings)
High body weight as a health risk factor
There are health problems associated with being either underweight or over weight. Although underweight can be a serious risk to health (leading to malnutrition and other health problems such as osteoporosis), public health focus is on excess body weight, as this is a much greater problem in the Australian population (AIHW Cat. no. AUS 122 2010)
Excess weight, especially obesity, is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, Type 2 diabetes, some musculoskeletal conditions and some cancers. As the level of excess weight increases, so does the risk of developing these conditions. In addition, being overweight can hamper the ability to control or manage chronic disorders (AIHW Cat. no. AUS 122 2010)
Excess weight in children increases the risk of poor health, both during childhood and later in adulthood. Children who are overweight or obese are at greater risk of developing chronic conditions such as asthma and Type 2 diabetes; and may experience negative social and mental wellbeing (AIHW Cat. no. AUS 122 2010).
Body Mass Index (BMI)
Body mass is derived from a person's weight and height. The Body Mass Index (BMI) is the weight in kilograms divided by the square of the height in metres (kg/m2). A person considered overweight or obese has a BMI of at least 25 kg/m2. For more details on the BMI, see the Methods section.
Burden of disease due to overweight and obesity in the world and in Australia
Previously considered a problem in high-income countries, overweight and obesity are now also on the rise in low- and middle-income countries, especially in urban areas. The World Health Organization has estimated that by 2015 there will be 2.3 billion adults who are overweight, and more than 700 million who will be obese (World Health Organization 2006).
In Australia in 2003, high body mass was responsible for 7.5% of the total burden of disease with Type 2 diabetes and ischaemic heart disease accounting for almost three-quarters of this burden (Begg et al. 2007)
References
Australian Bureau of Statistics. National Health Survey: Summary of Results, 2007-2008 (Reissue). Cat. no. 4364.0. Canberra: ABS, 2009. Available at http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/mf/4364.0/
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Australia’s health 2010. Australia’s health series no. 12. Cat. no. AUS 122. Canberra: AIHW, 2010. Available at http://www.aihw.gov.au/publication-detail/?id=6442468376
Begg S, Vos T, Barker B. The burden of disease and injury in Australia, 2003. Cat. no. PHE 82 edition. Canberra: AIHW, 2007. Available at http://www.aihw.gov.au/publications/index.cfm/title/10317
World Health Organization. Obesity and overweight. Fact sheet no. 311. Geneva: WHO, 2006. Available at http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs311/en/index.html
National Partnership Agreement on Preventive Health
- The NSW Government’s approach to addressing overweight and obesity and other chronic disease risk factors is being further strengthened with opportunities presented by the National Partnership Agreement on Preventive Health. The Agreement brings more than $150 million over seven years to provide NSW with evidence-based programs supporting children’s and adults’ health through promotion of healthy eating, increased physical activity and tobacco control (for adults):
Initiatives for children
• NSW Health has in place a broad range of programs which support parents and carers in schools, child care and other settings, to help children get off to the best start in terms of their eating habits and activity levels.
• The Children’s Healthy Eating and Physical Activity program aims to support teachers in early childhood services and primary schools to improve their knowledge of childhood healthy eating and physical activity and to support positive changes to policy and practice with in these settings.
• The Targeted Family Healthy Eating and Physical Activity Program - In addition to population measures, NSW Health is targeting at-risk children who are already overweight. The targeted program promotes ‘healthy weight’ and active lifestyles for children from 7 to 13 years of age who are overweight or obese. The program encourages children and their parents to work together to follow a healthier lifestyle.
Initiatives for adults
• NSW Healthy Workers initiative:
- Includes a range of strategies to improve the health-related lifestyle of working adults;
- Supports individual behaviour change and changes in workplace environment and culture;
- Addresses the modifiable risk factors of poor nutrition, physical inactivity, overweight and obesity, smoking and alcohol consumption, to contribute to a reduction in obesity and chronic disease; and
- Targets workers in industry sectors and communities which have a high prevalence of chronic disease risk factors.
• Get Healthy Information and Coaching Service - a free, confidential telephone-based coaching service which provides information on healthy eating, physical activity and weight control.
• Fast Choices initiative:
- This initiative is relevant to food outlets with 20 or more stores in NSW and more than 50 stores nationally and is intended to support informed, healthier food choices at the point of sale.
- Requires that as of 1 February 2012, major food retailing outlets in NSW include information about the energy (kj) content of standard products on their menu boards.
NSW Overweight and Obesity Strategy 2012-2016
The NSW Ministry of Health is leading the development of a new cross-government overweight and obesity prevention strategy which will set out the key actions, across relevant portfolios, that government will undertake in partnership with industry and communities to promote healthy weight in children, young people and their families.
Useful websites include:
Australian Bureau of Statistics at http://www.abs.gov.au
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare at http://www.aihw.gov.au
HealthInsite at http://www.healthinsite.gov.au
NSW Department of Education and Training and NSW Department of Health. Live Life Well @ School. NSW Department of Education and Training & NSW Department of Health website. Cited on 1 October, 2010). Available at http://www.curriculumsupport.education.nsw.gov.au/live_life/index.htm
NSW Government. Good for kids. Good for life. NSW Government website. Cited on 1 October, 2010). Available at http://www.goodforkids.nsw.gov.au/Parents
NSW Government: NSW Department of Health, NSW Department of Education and Training, Sport and Recreation, a division of Communities NSW and the Heart Foundation. Munch and Move. NSW Government website. Cited on 1 October, 2010). Available at http://www.healthykids.nsw.gov.au/campaigns-programs/about-munch-move.aspx