Age of onset of obesity, diabetes and hypertension in Yap State, Federated States of Micronesia.

BACKGROUND: As in many areas of the world, obesity, non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus and hypertension have become major problems in Yap. METHODS: The population of the main island cluster of Yap age 2 years and older was surveyed and clinically evaluated. RESULTS: Obesity becomes common in people ages 15-25 years, diabetes (random blood sugar 144) at ages 45-55 years, in females and 55-65 years in males, and hypertension (SBP>140 or DBP>90) at ages 25-35 years. CONCLUSIONS: Female and male children might be targeted for obesity prevention as young as 15 years of age and tested for hypertension at 20 years and diabetes at 40 years.