Keywords
Obesity
Overweight
Body mass index
Physical activity
How to Cite
Abstract
Objective: To determine the prevalence of overweight and obesity within a low-income population of Costa Rica.
Methods: Data provided by the Casa de Socorro clinic in Rincón Grande de Pavas, which were obtained by applying a survey to new patients during the period between September 21 and October 20, 2020. The global prevalence of overweight and obesity in the population was determined, as well as its specific prevalence for men and women, and according to age when dividing the population into three age groups. The difference between educational level, monthly income level and reported physical activity was analyzed, according to the normal BMI value or greater/equal to 25.
Results: A high prevalence of global overweight and obesity was determined, as well as in the subgroup of men and women, it was also higher in the group of middle-to-older adults. Common characteristics were identified among the high BMI groups; including low educational level, low-income level and insufficient daily physical activity.
Conclusion: Overweight and obesity are on the rise worldwide. The prevalence determined in a low-income population in Costa Rica is overwhelmingly higher than the overall prevalence in the country. Insufficient physical activity is a common denominator in body weight changes.
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