Age-specific changes in obesity and associated cardiometabolic risk factors: a two-decade study of the Finnish adults

Abstract

We analyzed age-specific changes in obesity and associated cardiometabolic risk factors from 2000 to 2023 in Finland. The study is based on two cross-sectional health examination surveys in years 2000 and 2023, representing the Finnish adults (aged 30-64 years). Associations between obesity and cardiometabolic risk factors were assessed using age-adjusted logistic regression. From 2000 to 2023, the overall prevalence of obesity (BMI ≥30 kg/m2) increased from 21% to 30% in men, and from 22% to 30% in women. Class II-III obesity (BMI ≥35 kg/m2) doubled reaching 9.9% and 12.6% in men and women, respectively, in 2023. Most marked changes were observed in younger adults, among whom the obesity rates doubled, and class II-III obesity tripled. Obesity was strongly associated with other cardiometabolic risk factors in both 2000 and 2023. Over 90% of individuals with obesity had at least one associated cardiometabolic risk factor. In 2023, the age-adjusted odds of glucose metabolism abnormalities, hypertension, and dyslipidemia in individuals with obesity, compared to normal-weight individuals, were 5.67 (95% CI 3.24-9.94), and 6.52 (4.49-9.46), and 3.91 (2.52-6.06) in men, and 7.49 (3.09-18.13), and 4.79 (3.64-6.29) and 3.22 (2.23-4.64), in women, respectively. Obesity rates in Finland have increased significantly over the past two decades, especially in young adults. Given the persistent risk of cardiometabolic complications in individuals with obesity, the increasing obesity rates are projected to place a substantial public health burden. These findings underscore the urgent need for effective strategies to address the obesity epidemic and mitigate its health impacts.