Resumen

SANDOYA, EDGARDO et al. Obesidad en adultos: prevalencia y evolución. Rev.Urug.Cardiol. [online]. 2007, vol.22, n.2, pp.130-138. ISSN 1688-0420.

Introduction: the World Health Organization has stated obesity is a severe public health threat at global level due to the many disorders it determines: higher prevalence of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, certain forms of cancer, respiratory disorders, osteoarticular diseases, among others. Objective: to determine the prevalence of obesity and overweight in a population of adults in a collective medical care institution and study its evolution. Material and method: a random sample of 2.070 adults was studied, 1.521 of which were newly assessed 50,7 months later. They were questioned, and height, weight and blood pressure were measured. They were screened for diabetes, dyslipidemia and left ventricular hypertrophy. Results: 38,9% had a normal body mass index, 38,0% were overweight and 23,1% were obese. The prevalence of high blood pressure was 22,7% among those with a normal body mass index, 42,6% in the overweight adults and 59,7% in those who were obese (p<0,05). Diabetes went from 4,5% to 5,3% and 11,7% when the body mass index corresponded to a normal, overweight or obese adult (p<0,05), and dyslipidemia went from 13,8% to 21,1% and 30,5% (p<0,005). No significant differences in prevalence was observed for smoking or left ventricular hypertrophy. An average weight gain of 1,2 kg was observed after 50,7 months, with a 1,4% increase of overweight and 5,1% of obese individuals. Conclusions: obesity and overweight were highly prevalent in this adult population. After little more than four years prevalence increased in a significant manner in the studied group. This situation should be modified, since an elevated body mass index determines a fall in the quality of life and at the same time imposes a high burden on our institution.

Palabras clave : OBESITY; OVERWEIGHT;  PREVALENCE.

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