P. Peter Basiotis, PhD, Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion, United States Department of Agriculture, 3101 Park Center Dr., Room 1034, Alexandria, VA 22302 and Shirley A Gerrior, PhD, RD, LD, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion, 3101 Park Center Drive, Rm 1080, Alexandria, VA 22302, 7033052563, shirley.gerrior@cnpp.usda.gov.

Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys 1988-1994 and 1999-2000 were used to graphically examine the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and adult (21-65 yr.) respondents’ age. The data were weighted to represent the U.S. population studied. The purpose was to visually identify three life cycle points where the risk of gaining weight is maximal. Analyses were performed separately for males and females (non pregnant) who were non-hispanic white, non-hispanic black and Mexican American. The software used was TableCurve2D version 5. A large number of equations were fitted by the software to identify the best fitting relationship between BMI and age. In general, results show that compared to 1988-1994, 1999-2000 BMI minima may have occurred on average at a slightly older age (25, 34, 45 yr. vs. 25, 32, 43 yr.) and 1999-2000 maxima may have occurred on average at a slightly earlier age (29, 39, 51 yr. vs. 30, 40, 51 yr.) Corresponding BMI appeared higher in 1999-2000 than in 1988-94. The ages where weight was gained at a maximal rate appeared about the same between the two periods (27, 36 and 48 yr). Detailed results for each group studied will be presented. These results may be useful to those interested in preventing (additional) weight gain when BMI is at “low” levels in the life cycle.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to

• Identify approximate ages where BMI is at its relative lowest for adult males and females of three racial/ethnic groups.
• Identify approximate ages where BMI is at its relative highest for adult males and females of three racial/ethnic groups.
• Understand the "Curve Fitting" technique as a source of knowledge discovery.

Keywords: Weight Management, Health Education Strategies

Related Web page: www.cnpp.usda.gov/ihei.html

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.