Racial differences in risk factors for the prevalence of obesity in US adults

Although prevalence of obesity has been observed in different races, few studies have examined racial differences in risk factors for the prevalence of obesity. This study aimed to investigate the extent to which the risk factors for adult obesity varied in Latinos, Asians, African Americans, and Whites. 8,563 obese adults and 32,779 controls were selected from the 2005 California Health Interview Survey. Statistical analyses were performed in SAS 9.2 using procedures of SURVEYFREQ and SURVEYLOGISTIC. Multiple logistic regression was used to examine the association of risk factors with the prevalence of obesity in the four racial groups adjusted for gender, age, smoking status, alcohol assumption, physical activity, fruit and vegetable intake, serious psychological distress (SPD), marital status, and employment. Compared to Whites (20%), Latinos and African Americans had a higher prevalence of obesity (29% and 34%, respectively) while Asians had a lower prevalence of obesity (7%). After adjusting for other factors, three risk factors (45-64 years of age, lack of physical activity, and marital status) in Latinos, one risk factor (marital status) in Asians, and three risk factors (65 years or older, lack of physical activity, and married/other marital status) in African Americans were associated with obesity. In Whites, seven risk factors (male, 45 years or older, drinking alcohol, lack of physical activity, lack of fruit and vegetable intake, SPD, and marital status) were associated with obesity. We conclude that risk factors for the prevalence of obesity varied in different races. Separate intervention strategies are needed accordingly to reduce obesity rates in each racial group.