Prevalence of overweight and obesity and associated factors in women of São Leopoldo/RS - Population-based study

Abstract Background Overweight and obesity are multicausal; however, their determinants have not been fully studied. Objective To estimate the prevalence of overweight and obesity and associated factors. Method A population-based cross-sectional study with 981 women (20-60 years) from São Leopoldo/RS was carried out. Weight and height were measured by the calculation of Body Mass Index (BMI). Women with a BMI between 25.0-29.9kg/m2 and a BMI ≥30.0kg/m2 were classified as overweight and obese, respectively. Prevalence ratios and 95% confidence intervals were estimated using Poisson regression. Results The prevalence of overweight was 33.0% (95%CI: 30.1-36.0) and obesity was 31.2% (95%CI: 28.3-34.1). After adjustment, higher probabilities of overweight occurred in older women, from lower economic classes, married or in union, with a history of maternal obesity and with one or more pregnancies. The highest probabilities of obesity occurred in older women, from low-income, with a history of maternal and paternal obesity and with three or four pregnancies. Menarche over 12 years old and leisure-time physical activity were protective factors for obesity. Conclusion These results highlighted the need for long-term prevention actions, some involving transgenerational actions.