Characteristics at baseline according to vital status on December 31st 2008 in the general population of Vlagtwedde-Vlaardingen, during 40 years of follow-up (n = 8645).

All subjects: n = 8452, in 13 subjects the cause of death could not be determined. BMI levels: Normal = BMI 2, Overweight = BMI 25–30 kg/m2. Obese = BMI > 30 kg/m2. Long-term annual change in BMI: The difference between BMI at last survey and baseline divided by the time interval (year of the last survey minus year of the baseline). Short-term annual changes in BMI: Highest increase = Highest annual increase in BMI between two successive surveys, Highest decrease = Highest annual decrease in BMI between two successive surveys. P-value calculated by Chi- square or t-test. Data on BMI levels and changes in BMI are shown as mean (sd).Characteristics at baseline according to vital status on December 31st 2008 in the general population of Vlagtwedde-Vlaardingen, during 40 years of follow-up (n = 8645).