Obesity Patterns among Women in a Slum Area in Brazil

Authors

  • João G Alves Department of Epidemiology, Instituto de Medicina Integral Prof. Fernando Figueira, Rua dos Coelhos, 300-Boa Vista, Recife (PE)
  • Romero W Falcão Escola Pernambucana de Saúde, Recife
  • Renato A Pinto Escola Pernambucana de Saúde, Recife
  • Jailson B Correia Department of Epidemiology, Instituto de Medicina Integral Prof. Fernando Figueira, Rua dos Coelhos, 300-Boa Vista, Recife (PE)

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3329/jhpn.v29i3.7876

Keywords:

Caloric intake, Cross-sectional studies, Obesity, Physical activity, Slum, Brazil

Abstract

High-energy diet and sedentary lifestyle fail to completely explain the epidemic of obesity in developing countries. In this cross-sectional survey, the prevalence and patterns of overweight/obesity were assessed among women in a slum in Brazil. Using anthropometric measurements, shorter form of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), and a 24-hour diet recall questionnaire, data were collected from 632 women aged 20-60 years. The prevalence of overweight and obesity was 29% and 17% respectively. Physical inactivity was found in 17% of the women; 12% of them had short stature, and 44% had energy intake below the recommended dietary allowance. Results of multiple logistic regression showed that overweight/ obesity differed significantly (p<0.05) in the following aspects: abdominal circumference, energy intake, and short stature. A high prevalence of overweight/obesity was found in a very poor community associated with high-energy intake and short stature.

Key words: Caloric intake; Cross-sectional studies; Obesity; Physical activity; Slum; Brazil

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jhpn.v29i3.7876

J HEALTH POPUL NUTR 2011 Jun;29(3):286-289

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How to Cite

Alves, J. G., Falcão, R. W., Pinto, R. A., & Correia, J. B. (2011). Obesity Patterns among Women in a Slum Area in Brazil. Journal of Health, Population and Nutrition, 29(3), 286–289. https://doi.org/10.3329/jhpn.v29i3.7876

Issue

Vol. 29 No. 3 (2011)

Section

Short Report