Chapter 3 Risk Factors

Overweight

Diabetes is more common in individuals who are overweight. The risk of developing type 2 diabetes increases with the amount of excess weight, the duration of the obesity, and the central deposition of fat. Women who are overweight also have a greater risk of developing gestational diabetes. Being overweight and gaining weight are strong predictors of diabetes⁶. The Body Mass Index (BMI) is a standard measure to determine weight status. For the purpose of our analysis, we are using the World Health Organization's (WHO) measure, which considers a person to be overweight who has a BMI equal to or greater than 25.0 kg/m².

According to the NPHS, the proportions of men and women who were overweight between 1994/95 and 1998/99 were similar (Figure 3-1). Among men, the proportion who were overweight increased slightly between 1994/95 and 1998/99. The difference, however, was not statistically significant. Women showed little change. Among individuals with self-reported diabetes, 74.3% were overweight in 1998/99. The proportion of women with diabetes who were overweight remained similar throughout the three surveys (Figure 3-2).

In 1998/99, the tendency to be overweight increased with age among both men and women in the general population (Figure 3-3). This tendency is similar to that in previous years.

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