Prevalência e fatores associados ao excesso de peso e à obesidade em uma comunidade universitária

Abstract

Objective: To estimate the prevalence and identify the factors associated with overweight and obesity within the university community of the Federal University of

Maranhão (UFMA), Bacanga Campus. Materials and methods: This is a cross- sectional epidemiological study. An online questionnaire (MAFIS) consisting of 97

questions was used for data collection. The data were analyzed in the statistical program SPSS, version 23.0 by means of absolute and relative frequency. In order to verify the factors associated with overweight and obesity, we used the Chi-square test with subsequent assembly of logistic regression model, being 5% the adopted level. Results: The prevalence of overweight was 38.4%: 26.9% out of them were overweight, and 11.5% obese. The results showed that men were 47% more at risk for overweight (odds ratio, OR: 1.47, confidence interval, CI: 1.04, 2.08), and 65% higher risk of obesity when compared to women (OR: 1.65, IC:1.003, 2.736). They also showed that, as the age group progresses, the risk of overweight and obesity is higher. Regarding eating behaviour, the higher the consumption of soft drinks or sugary drinks, the higher the risk of overweight and obesity. Those who do not consume alcoholic beverages presented a higher risk of overweight compared to those who do (OR:1.56, CI: 1.10, 2.20). As for the level of physical activity, being physically not active increased the risk of obesity by 67% (OR: 1,67, IC: 1,00-2,77). Conclusion: The results of the study demonstrated a high prevalence of overweight and obesity in the sample, as well as the need to improve health-related behaviors. Strategies to promote physical activity and reduce body mass through changes that aim to develop healthier living habits in the academic community would be of great value.