BMI and Seatbelt Use

This article reports on a study of the association between seat belt use and obesity. The authors used data from the 2002 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System Survey to calculate odds ratios for seat belt use among overweight persons (Body Mass Index, or BMI, of 25.0 to 29.9), obese persons (BMI 30.0 to 39.9), and extremely obese persons (MBI greater than 40.0), relative to a non-obese reference group (BMI less than 24.9). Results were adjusted for age, race, gender, education, and state seat belt law. Adjusted odds ratios for seat belt use were 0.89 for overweight persons, 0.69 for obese persons, and 0.45 for extremely obese persons. There were associations between increasing BMI and decreasing seat belt use for women, increasing age, higher education, and residence in states with a secondary seat belt laws. The data set consisted of 36.9% overweight persons, 19.5% obese persons, and 2.5% extremely obese persons. The authors conclude that lack of seat belt use can be added to the list of risk factors associated with obesity. They call for increased availability of seat belt extenders, as well as engineering solutions such as seat belts with wider, more cushioned bands and greater adjustability.