Overweight and factors associated in health professionals of the Family Health Strategy

Abstract Background There is an overall increase in the prevalence of obesity, an important risk factor for chronic noncommunicable diseases. Objective To evaluate the prevalence of overweight and associated factors in health professionals in the Family Health Strategy. Method This is a cross-sectional study carried out with 215 health professionals from Montes Claros, MG, in 2015. Demographic, labor, behavioral and eating habits were investigated. Professionals were classified as having a health profile - concomitance with normal body mass index, not smoking, consuming fruits and vegetables daily, practicing physical activity and not adding salt to meals. Statistical analysis with a logistic regression model was used to identify factors associated with overweight. Results Community health agents (58.0%), nurses (27.0%), nursing technicians (9.0%) and physicians (6.0%) participated. Most of them were females (87%) with a mean age of 35.92 (±8.98). 53.5% and were overweight (36.7% overweight, 16.8% obese). Old age, other work relationship, irregular fruit, and vegetable consumption, and absence of health profile were associated with overweight. Conclusion There was a high prevalence of overweight in the health professionals, associated with lifestyle and work.