Obesity in Germany and Italy: prevalence, comorbidities, and associations with patient outcomes

Purpose

This study investigated the association between body mass index (BMI) and three comorbid conditions (type 2 diabetes [T2D], prediabetes, and hypertension) on humanistic and economic outcomes.

Patients and methods

This retrospective observational study collected data from German (n=14286) and Italian (n=9433) respondents to the 2013 European Union National Health and Wellness Survey, a cross-sectional, nationally representative online survey of the general adult population. Respondents were grouped, based on their self-reported BMI, and stratified into three other comorbid conditions (T2D, prediabetes, and hypertension). Generalized linear models, controlling for demographics and health characteristics, tested the relationship between BMI and health status, work productivity loss, and health care resource utilization. Indirect and direct costs were calculated based on overall work productivity loss and health care resource utilization, respectively. The same generalized linear models were also performed separately for those with T2D, prediabetes, and hypertension.

Results

The sample of German respondents was 50.16% male, with a mean age of 46.68 years (SD =16.05); 35.24% were classified as overweight and 21.29% were obese. In Italy, the sample was 48.34% male, with a mean age of 49.27 years (SD =15.75); 34.85% were classified as overweight, and 12.89% were obese. Multivariable analyses demonstrated that, in both countries, higher BMI was associated with worse humanistic outcomes and only those from Germany also reported greater direct and indirect costs. Differences in the impact of BMI on outcomes by country were additionally found when the sample was stratified into those with prediabetes, T2D, and hypertension.

Conclusion

The high percentage of patients who are overweight or obese in Germany and Italy remains problematic. Better elucidating the impact of overweight or obese BMI, as well as the incremental effects of relevant comorbid conditions, on humanistic and economic outcomes is critical to quantify the multifaceted burden on individuals and society.

Obesity in Mexico: prevalence, comorbidities, associations with patient outcomes, and treatment experiences

OBJECTIVE

The goal of this study is to investigate obesity and its concomitant effects including the prevalence of comorbidities, its association with patient-reported outcomes and costs, and weight loss strategies in a sample of Mexican adults.

METHODS

Mexican adults (N=2,511) were recruited from a combination of Internet panels and street intercepts using a random-stratified sampling framework, with strata defined by age and sex, so that they represent the population. Participants responded to a survey consisting of a range of topics including sociodemographics, health history, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), work productivity, health care resource use, and weight loss.

RESULTS

The sample consisted of 50.6% male with a mean age of 40.7 years (SD=14.5); 38.3% were overweight, and 24.4% were obese. Increasing body mass index (BMI) was associated with increased rates of type 2 diabetes, prediabetes, and hypertension, poorer HRQoL, and decreased work productivity. Of the total number of respondents, 62.2% reported taking steps to lose weight with 27.6% and 17.1% having used an over-the-counter/herbal product and a prescription medication, respectively. Treatment discontinuation rates were high.

CONCLUSION

Findings indicated that 62% of participants reported, at least, being overweight and that they were experiencing the deleterious effects associated with higher BMI despite the desire to lose weight. Given the rates of obesity, and its impact on humanistic and societal outcomes, improved education, prevention, and management could provide significant benefits.