OECD Regions at a Glance 2007
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Non-medical determinants of health: prevalence of obesity
Obesity is a known risk factor for several health problems, including diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular diseases, as well as respiratory and musculoskeletal disorders. There has been a considerable increase in obesity-related problems over the past two decades, along with an associated rise in health-care costs. Adults with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of over 30 are defined as obese. However, some ethnic groups may have equivalent levels of risk at lower or higher BMIs. Survey definitions differ significantly among countries. As a consequence, results may be quite different depending on whether obesity is self-reported (e.g. Australia, the United States) or measured (see Sources and Methodologies).
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