Obesity prevalence in large US cities: association with socioeconomic indicators, race/ethnicity and physical activity

BACKGROUND: Obesity has a complex association with socioeconomic factors. Further clarification of this association could guide population interventions. METHODS: To determine the relationship between obesity prevalence, socioeconomic indicators, race/ethnicity, and physical activity, we performed a cross-sectional, multivariable linear regression, with data from large US cities participating in the Big Cities Health Inventory. RESULTS: Increased household income was significantly associated with decreased obesity prevalence, for White (-1.97% per 10 000USD), and Black (-3.02% per 10 000USD) populations, but not Hispanic. These associations remained significant when controlling for the proportion of the population meeting physical activity guidelines. Educational attainment had a co-linear relationship with income, and only a bachelor's degree or higher was associated with a lower prevalence of obesity in White (-0.30% per percentage) and Black (-0.69% per percentage) populations. No association was found between obesity prevalence and the proportion of the population meeting physical activity guidelines for any race/ethnicity grouping. CONCLUSION: At the population level of large US cities, obesity prevalence is inversely associated with median household income in White and Black populations. Strategies to increase socioeconomic status may also decrease obesity. Targeting attainment of physical activity guidelines as an obesity intervention needs further appraisal.