2042. Prevalence of Obesity Among Veterans Receiving Care at VAMCs in 2000
Linda S Kinsinger, MD, MPH, VA National Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, Durham VAMC, SR Das, University of North Carolina, A Wang, University of North Carolina, E Ciesco, VA National Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, Durham VAMC, M Burdick, VA National Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, Durham VAMC, RT Harvey, VA National Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, Durham VAMC, SJ Yevich, VA National Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, Durham VAMC, WS Yancy, Durham VAMC

Objectives: Obesity is a significant public health problem in the United States. Comprehensive obesity prevalence data among veterans have not been previously reported. This study describes the distribution of body mass index (BMI) values using measured height and weight among veterans receiving out-patient care at Veterans Administration Medical Centers (VAMCs) in the year 2000.

Methods: Height, weight, and demographic data were obtained for 1.8 million unique individuals cared for at VAMCs in 2000. Age-adjusted prevalences of National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute BMI categories were stratified by gender and examined by age and race/ethnicity.

Results: Of 93,290 female American veterans receiving care at VAMCs during 2000, 68.4% were at least overweight (BMI=25 kg/m2), with 37.4% classified as obese (BMI=30 kg/m2) and 6.0% as Class III obese (BMI =40 kg/m2). Of 1,710,032 men, 73.0% were at least overweight, 32.9% were obese, and 3.3% were Class III obese. Among women, obesity prevalence increased into the 6th and 7th decade of life before prevalence began to decline. Among men, prevalence was lowest for those younger than 30 or older than 70. By race/ethnicity, Native American women (43.7%) and men (35.5%) had the highest prevalence of obesity, while Asian American women (12.6%) and men (20.8%) had the lowest.

Conclusions: The substantial burden of obesity among American veterans using VAMCs requires a comprehensive approach for weight management by the Veterans Health Administration.