Trends in Obesity and Metabolic Status Among a Health Check-Up Population in Beijing and Hunan Between 2012 and 2020

Abstract Background: Previous cross-sectional studies have reported the prevalence of obesity and metabolic status in China. However, the trend of change in obesity and metabolic status, especially in different sex and age groups are lacking. Methods: In a series cross-sectional study, data on 256,782 participants surveyed between 2014 and 2020 in Beijing and 697,170 participants surveyed between 2012 and 2020 in Hunan were analyzed. Anthropometrics, blood pressure measurements, and blood tests were performed according to standard protocols. Trends in obesity and metabolic status were evaluated using the Joinpoint software to estimate annual percentage changes in slopes.Results: Based on age- and sex-standardized values, the mean BMI values in Beijing and Hunan participants were 23.94 (95%CI: 23.93, 23.95) and 23.68 (95%CI: 23.67, 23.69) kg/m2, respectively. Between 2014-2020, the overall obesity prevalence among Beijing participants increased from 12.70% (95%CI: 12.17%, 13.23%) to 14.33% (95% CI: 13.97%, 14.70%) (P=0.009), mainly derived by the 20-39 and 40-59 age groups. Moreover, the prevalence of metabolically healthy obese significantly increased from 2.07% (95%CI: 1.84%, 2.30%) to 4.33% (95% CI: 4.13%, 4.53%) in Beijing. Between 2012-2020, no significant trend in obesity was found among overall Hunan participants, but the prevalence of metabolically unhealthy obese significantly increased from 5.36% (95% CI: 5.18%, 5.54%) to 7.35% (95% CI: 7.11%, 7.58%), mainly derived by the 20-39 and 40-59 age groups.Conclusions: The trends in obesity and metabolic status were different between Hunan and Beijing. National weight control plan is needed in China, with a particular focus on young and middle-aged population.