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Factors associated with overweight and obesity in Quebec adults

International Journal of Obesity volume 28, pages 766–774 (2004)Cite this article

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To measure the independent correlates of excess body weight and obesity in Quebec in 1993 and 1997.

DESIGN: A population-based, cross-sectional survey in three settings in the province of Quebec.

SUBJECTS: A total of 10014 individuals aged 18–64 y.

MEASUREMENTS: Excess body weight was defined as a body mass index (BMI) (self-reported weight and height) greater than or equal to 25 kg/m2 and obesity as BMI greater than or equal to 30 kg/m2. Data were collected by a questionnaire completed at home by the participants. Diet was assessed by a food frequency questionnaire.

RESULTS: The correlates varied according to gender. While university achievement, smoking habit and physical activity level reduced the risk of excess body weight in both genders, increased dietary fat intake was positively associated with overweight and obesity in men only. In women, greater family income lowered the risk of having a BMI over 25. Increasing age, speaking a language other than French and living in a rural environment elevated the risk.

CONCLUSION: Future interventions for the control of obesity should be gender-specific. Target groups should include individuals with low education, those living in rural environments and non-caucasian women. Dietary interventions should target men in particular.

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Acknowledgements

Isabelle Huot received a PhD fellowship from the Danone Institute of Canada. We acknowledge the editorial assistance of Ovid Da Silva, Editor, Research Support Office, CHUM Research Centre. The Quebec Heart Health Demonstration Project research group is composed of Richard Lessard, MD, Gilles Paradis, MD, Louise Potvin, PhD, Brigitte Lachance, RD, Lise Renaud, PhD, Jennifer O'Loughlin, PhD, Jocelyne Pelletier, MA, Jocelyne Moisan, PhD and Nguyet Nguyen, PhD.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Nutrition, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada

    I Huot & M Ledoux

  2. Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, McGill University, Montreal, Canada

    G Paradis

Authors
  1. I Huot
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  2. G Paradis
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  3. M Ledoux
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for the Quebec Heart Health Demonstration Project research group

Corresponding author

Correspondence to G Paradis.

Additional information

Source of funding: National Health Research and Development Program (Canada), Ministère de la santé et des services sociaux du Québec and the Fondation des maladies du cœur du Québec.

Appendix A

Appendix A

Data regarding the independent correlates of obesity, Quebec, by year and gender are given in Table A1.

Table a1 Independent correlates of overweight and obesity, Quebec, by year and gender
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Huot, I., Paradis, G., Ledoux, M. et al. Factors associated with overweight and obesity in Quebec adults. Int J Obes 28, 766–774 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.ijo.0802633

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