RT Journal
A1 Freedman DS, Khan L, Serdula MK, Galuska DA, Dietz WH
T1 TRends and correlates of class 3 obesity in the united states from 1990 through 2000
JF JAMA
JO JAMA
YR 2002
FD October 9
VO 288
IS 14
SP 1758
OP 1761
DO 10.1001/jama.288.14.1758
UL http://dx.doi.org/10.1001/jama.288.14.1758
AB Context 
                  Although the prevalence of obesity has markedly increased among US adults,
health risks vary according to the severity of obesity. Persons with class
3 obesity (body mass index [BMI] ≥40) are at greatest risk, but there is
little information about this subgroup.Objective 
                  To examine correlates of class 3 obesity and secular trends.Design, Setting, and Participants 
                  Adults (aged ≥18 years) in the United States who participated in
the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System telephone survey between 1990
(75 600 persons) and 2000 (164 250 persons).Main Outcome Measure 
                  Body mass index calculated from self-reported weight and height.Results 
                  The prevalence of class 3 obesity increased from 0.78% (1990) to 2.2%
(2000). In 2000, class 3 obesity was highest among black women (6.0%), persons
who had not completed high school (3.4%), and persons who are short. During
the 11-year period, the median BMI level increased by 1.2 units and the 95th
percentile increased by 3.2 units.Conclusion 
                  The prevalence of class 3 obesity is increasing rapidly among adults.
Because these extreme BMI levels are associated with the most severe health
complications, the incidence of various diseases will increase substantially
in the future.