Objective To investigate epidemiological characteristics of overweight and obesity among adults of the coastal area in Shandong Province in 2004, and to identify populations and regions of overweight and obesity with high risk. Method A random stratified cluster sampling was conducted in 5 coastal cities(Yantai, Weihai, Rizhao, Dongying, Qingdao). Data of general conditions were collected by face-to-face interview. Height and weight was obtained by physical examination. Prevalence and influencing factors of overweight and obesity were analyzed. Results 4752 participants were recruited . Mean body mass index(BMI) of the total population was（24.12±3.57）kg/m2 and no significant difference was found between males and females（24.22±3.43 vs 24.07±3.69, P>0.05), or cities and rural areas（24.22±3.56 vs 24.06±3.57, P>0.05）. Mean waist circumference(WC) was（84.09±11.01）cm and a significant difference was observed between males and females(86.69±10.36 vs 81.70±11.06, P<0.01), but not between cities and rural areas (P>0.05). The standardized prevalence rates of overweight, obesity and abdominal obesity were 32.2%、13.3%、54.9%, respectively. The prevalence rates of overweight were higher in males than that in females (35.6% vs 30.8%，P<0.01), and in cities than that in rural areas（35.8% vs 32.4%，P<0.01). No significant differences were demonstrated between males and females, cities and rural areas in obesity and prevalence rates ofResults of logistic analysis showed the major factors influencing overweight included age, gender, location of residence,smoking/drinking habits, labor intensity, and physical exercises. Age, drinking habits, labor intensity, physical exercises were influencing factors of abdominal obesity. Conclusion About half of the residents of coastal areas in Shandong Province are overweight or obese, therefore, early interventions are desirable.
