Behavioral and social risk factors for metabolically unhealthy obesity: data form a 12-year prospective study in the Russian population

Aim. To study the contribution of behavioral and social risk factors to the development of metabolically unhealthy obesity (MUO) according to a prospective study in the Russian population. Material and methods. From the HAPPIE project, 3197 people aged 45-69 years with a body mass index ≥30 kg/m2 were selected, who had all the necessary parameters for obesity phenotype determination. The prospective analysis included the first (2003-2005) and third screenings (2015-2017). A subsample was formed (n=1275; 276 men — 22%, 999 women — 78%). The mean follow-up period was 12,4 years. IDF criteria (2005) were taken for analysis. Results. Men with a metabolically healthy obesity (MHO) phenotype most often have a secondary and higher education, while women with MHO — vocational and secondary education. In women, secondary education was most often noted. Among persons with obesity, both men and women are more often not single, while having MUO as follows: 56,8% and 34,2%, respectively. Men and women have a low-intensity activity, regardless of the obesity phenotype. The prevalence of smoking in the present time does not differ in the MHO and MUO groups. Metabolically healthy women consume more alcohol than those with MUO. In men with sedentary lifestyle and fasting hyperglycemia, the risk of MUO over a 12-year follow-up period was significantly higher. In women, the risk of conversion from MHO to MUO is increased when blood pressure (BP) is ≥130/85 mmHg. Conclusion. In the Russian population, the risk of MUO in men increases with a level of physical activity <3 h/week and a blood glucose level ≥6,1 mmol/l; in women, only BP ≥130/85 mm Hg contributes to the development of MUO.