Association of educational level with risk of obesity and abdominal obesity in Iranian adults

Background The impact of education on obesity may vary according to population and geographic region. The objective of the present study was to determine the association between education and obesity. Methods A cross-sectional study of 3600 subjects aged 20-70 years was conducted by using a cluster sampling technique in an adult population residing in the north of Iran, in 2004. Weight, height, waist and hip circumference were measured and data concerning education level, demographic characteristics and physical activities were collected by interview. Logistic regression analysis was used to estimate the association between education and general obesity (body mass index >= 30) as well as abdominal obesity (waist circumference >88 cm in women and 102 cm in men). Results The adjusted odds ratio (OR) for general obesity at education level of high school and college compared with illiterate and primary level was 0.55 [95% confidence interval (Cl): 0.43-0.71]. A greater negative association was observed for education at university level (OR = 0.32, 95% Cl: 0.22-0.47) irrespective to sex. However, with regard to abdominal obesity, after controlling for confounding factors, the adjusted OR for education at university level remained significant only in women but not in men. Conclusion The findings of this study indicate that education level is inversely associated with general obesity in both sexes but with abdominal obesity only in women.