Objective: This study compares how income is related to obesity vs two obesity-related cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors-diabetes and hypertension-in adults from Jamaica.
Design: A cross-sectional population-based survey was used. In total, 847 men and 1249 women aged 25-74 y were randomly recruited from a periurban area in 1993-1998.
Measurements: Trained interviewers measured anthropometry and blood pressure, obtained fasting blood and collected self-reported data on income and disease history.
Results: Income was strongly and positively associated with obesity in men. In women, obesity levels were high even among the very poor, and the income gradient was more moderate. Although obesity-and particularly central fatness-was strongly associated with diabetes and hypertension prevalence, income was not significantly related to these disorders.
Conclusions: Future research in developing countries should independently explore associations between income and obesity vs obesity-related disorders, and identify factors that explain any disparities.