Journal of Preventive Medicine

Is Alcohol Use Related to Obesity in Middle Aged Males in the General Population?

Purpose: Alcohol misuse is a serious public health issue with conflicting findings relating it to obesity. The purpose of this study was to assess whether alcohol use differs by obesity status in middle aged males in the general population.

Methods: This cross sectional analysis used 2016 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) data for males ages 45 to 64 from Maine (N=1,667), North Dakota (N=1,060), South Carolina (N=1,669), and Wisconsin (N=998). Multiple logistic regression analyses conducted by state were utilized to examine the relationship between alcohol use and obesity while controlling for tobacco use, number of health conditions, mental health, physical activity, education level, employment status, income level, and ethnicity.

Results: Across states, about one third of the sample was obese (35%-38%) and about half to two thirds reported alcohol use (55%-69%). Adjusted results indicated that excessive alcohol use was inversely related to weight status. In addition, having multiple health conditions was positively related to weight status while physical activity and tobacco use were inversely related to weight status.

Conclusion: The results indicated that obesity differed by alcohol use in 45 to 64 year old males in that excessive alcohol use was related to non-obesity. In primary care settings, about one third of middle-aged males may be obese and up to two-thirds may consume alcohol; however, these should be assessed and treated separately. For those with excessive alcohol use, practitioners should evaluate adequate nutrition. In addition, number of health conditions, tobacco use, and physical activity were significantly related to obesity. Therefore, clinicians should screen for all if middle aged males present with any, coordinate treatment of multiple conditions, and educate patients on the benefits of exercise and smoking cessation.

Author(s):

Mathew M, Amir R, Alford HE, Mohan S and Hartos JL

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