Relation of parental history of coronary heart disease to obesity in young adults

I. Grotto, M. Huerta, J. D. Kark, O. Shpilberg, J. Meyerovitch

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

15 Scopus citations

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To assess the association between obesity and parental coronary heart disease (CHD) history. DESIGN: Analysis of data from an ongoing, large-scale survey on medical status, health behaviour and attitudes. SUBJECTS: Representative samples of Israeli military personnel upon discharge from compulsory service at age 20-22y. Overall 14 297 men and 11 638 women were interviewed and examined upon release from military service between 1989 and 1999. MEASUREMENTS: Data on demographic characteristics, family history of CHD, lifestyle, weight and height were collected. Analysis of variance and logistic regression were used. RESULTS: Higher mean body mass index (BMI) and obesity (BMI<30 kg/m2) were associated with paternal CHD history in both sexes, and with maternal CHD history among men. Offspring of a parent with a positive CHD history had a higher mean BMI (23.22 vs 22.86 kg/m2, P<0.001) and were more likely to be obese (5.4 vs 3.7%, P<0.001) than offspring of parents with no history of CHD. Multivariate adjustment for demographic and behavioural variables associated with obesity attenuated the association (adjusted odds ratio for obesity 1.37, 95% confidence interval: 1.15, 1.64). When stratified by sex, this association remained statistically significant only among males. CONCLUSION: Young adults with a parental history of CHD are more likely to be overweight. This high-risk group should be targeted for early preventive activities.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)362-368
Number of pages7
JournalInternational Journal of Obesity
Volume27
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Mar 2003
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Adult
  • Body mass index
  • Coronary disease
  • Risk factors

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