SAT-704 Assessing Obesity Prevalence and Health Education Interests: An Analysis of MSHARE Data

Abstract Disclosure: N.S. Raja: None. S. Schon: None. C. Jiang: None. E.E. Marsh: None. Introduction: Obesity is a complex, multifactorial chronic disease associated with numerous adverse health outcomes. As rates of obesity continue to rise, it will be increasingly important that medical providers be prepared to offer patient-centered care to optimize health outcomes. We report findings from the Michigan Study on Health: Access, Research and Education (MSHARE). Our objectives were to assess the rates of formal diagnosis of overweight/obesity (OWOB) among participants with a qualifying BMI, and to understand how BMI may impact the desire to learn about various health topics. Methods: Cross-sectional study utilizing data from MSHARE, an ongoing survey collecting data on health education, health literacy (HL), and access among adults in Michigan. Demographic variables assessed included age, race, education, employment, income, and insurance status. Kruskal-Wallis test, Chi-squared test, and ordinal logistic regression were used as appropriate. Results: 5207 participants were included in the study, and BMI was available for 5039 individuals. Mean age was 44.4 ± 16.5 years, with a majority identifying as white (77.3%) and female (79.2%). 22% reported an annual income of <$20,000, while 28.2% made >$100,000. 37.4% reported less than a college degree, whereas 31.2% held a graduate degree. 42% reported full-time employment. Regarding health literacy, 41.3% reported some difficulty understanding written health information. The mean BMI was 28.9 ± 7.62, and 1710 participants (33.9%) reported having been diagnosed with OWOB in the past. 31.3% of those who had never been diagnosed reported a BMI 25-30, and 15.1% reported a BMI ≥30. 88.7% of individuals had access to a primary care provider. Respondents reported interest in learning more about OWOB (27.8%), diabetes (DM) (20.4%), diet/nutrition (50.2%), heart disease (19%), and hypertension (HTN) (23.3%). On regression analysis, increasing BMI was associated with increased likelihood of having been diagnosed with overweight/obesity (OR 13.76, 95% CI 11.99-15.79) and desire to learn about obesity (OR 2.47, 95% CI 2.17-2.82), diabetes (OR 1.25, 95% CI 1.10-1.44), and high blood pressure (OR 1.25, 95% CI 1.09-1.43). Conclusion: 63.3% of study participants met criteria for a diagnosis of overweight or obesity. based on BMI. interestingly, almost half (48.4%) of those with a BMI ≥25 had never been told they had OWOB, suggesting significant under-diagnosis and lack of knowledge regarding future risk. Increasing BMI was associated with increasing interest in learning more about certain conditions associated with obesity, including DM, heart disease, and HTN, but not others such as cancer, diet/nutrition, or heart disease. As rates of OWOB continue to increase, helping patients receive an accurate diagnosis and appropriate education can help reduce morbidity and promote lifelong health. Presentation: Saturday, July 12, 2025