Obesity Inequalities

Socioeconomic inequalities in obesity were analyzed using simple measures of group differences (prevalence difference [PD], prevalence ratio [PR]) and complex summary measures of inequality (slope index of inequality [SII], relative index of inequality [RII]). PDs and SIIs quantify the magnitude of absolute inequality, and PRs and RIIs represent the magnitude of relative inequality. Selective use of exclusively absolute or relative measures of inequality can lead to a biased assessment of increasing or decreasing health inequalities over time; thus it is recommended that both be considered when possible