Overweight, obesity and metabolic syndrome in rural southeastern Australia

Abstract

Objective: To measure the prevalence of overweight, obesity and the metabolic syndrome (MetS) in rural Australia. Design, setting and participants: Cross-sectional surveys were conducted in two rural areas in Victoria and South Australia in 2004-2005. A stratified random sample of men and women aged 25-74 years was selected from the electoral roll. Data were collected by a self-administered questionnaire, physical measure mlents and laboratory tests. Main outcome measures: Prevalence of overweight and obesity, as defined by body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference; prevalence of MetS and its components. Results: Data on 806 participants (383 men and 423 women) were analysed. Based on BM..