In this study, the trends over 40 years (5 successive cohorts) in cardiovascular risk factors were assessed in normal weight, overweight and obese Swedish men aged 50. Over 40 years, there has been significant increase in body mass index (BMI) from 24.8 to 26.4 kg/m2 with increasing prevalence of obesity (BMI > 30 kg /m2) from 6% in 1963 to 13.8% in 2003. Waist circumference has also increased from 87 cm to 94.5 cm. However, favourable trends with respect to mean plasma cholesterol levels, blood pressure and smoking habits have been noted among normal weight, overweight and obese men. Nevertheless, as less than one out of six men across BMI categories had an optimal risk factor status (no smoking, normotension and total plasma cholesterol < 5 mmol/l) in 2003, the authors suggested that there was considerable room for improvement. In conclusion, obese Swedish men in their fifties have lower levels of cardiovascular risk factors compared to obese men 40 years ago. This probably explains the reduction of cardiovascular disease mortality rates observed despite the increased prevalence of obesity.
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