Predictors of overweight and obesity among adults aged 50 years and above: Serbian national health survey.

Background/Aim: Obesity is a complex and multifactorial condition related to morbidity, mortality, poor quality of life and many other problems. The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of overweight and obesity and factors associated with them (demographic, socioeconomic factors and lifestyle) in adults aged 50 years and above in Serbia.

Methods: This cross-sectional study, representative for the population in Serbia, was carried out in one-year period, including 6,932 people aged 50 and over. Individuals were interviewed and anthropometrically examined. The association between overweight and obesity with demographic, socioeconomic and behavioral factors was analyzed using multivariate logistic regression.

Results: Age, level of education and smoking were significantly associated with overweight and obesity, regardless of gender. Marital status was significantly associated with obesity, regardless of gender and with overweight only in women. Breakfast consumption habit was significantly associated with obesity only in men. There was no significant association of overweight and obesity with the type of settlement, alcohol consumption and physical activity, regardless of gender.

Conclusion: The results of our study indicate the need for more intensive implementation of measures affecting the factors which contribute to overweight and obesity. Emphasis should be put on the population-based policies and programs that support environmental changes.