Prevalence of central obesity in a large sample of adolescents from public schools in Recife, Brazil

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence and association of central obesity (CO) and hypertension and its associations with alcohol intake, smoking and physical activity in adolescents. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Cross sectional study in 1,824 students from 29 public schools in Recife. RESULTS: 89.6% were normal weight, 6.7% overweight and 3.7% obese; 77.2% were normotensive, 5.9% prehypertensive and 16.9% hypertensive; CO was 10.2% when the 90th percentile was used as cutoff and 25.2% when the 75th percentile was used. There was a higher likelihood of central obesity among students aged 18 to 20 years, smoking and alcohol intake. The probability of hypertension increases if the subject is male, has a waist circumference (WC) > 90, WC > 75 and does not practice physical activity. CONCLUSIONS: A high prevalence of CO and hypertension was found in adolescents. CO was more frequent in students aged 18 to 20 years, smokers and with alcohol intake and hypertension was associated with male, CO and no physical activity.OBJETIVO: Determinar a prevalência e a associação de obesidade central (CO) e hipertensão e suas associações com consumo de álcool, fumo e atividade física em adolescentes. SUJEITOS E MÉTODOS: Estudo de corte transversal em 1.824 estudantes de 29 escolas públicas em Recife. RESULTADOS: 89,6% com peso normal, 6,7% sobrepeso e 3,7% obesidade; 77,2% normotensos, 5,9% pré-hipertensos e 16,9% hipertensos; 10,2% de CO quando utilizado percentil 90 como ponto de corte e de 25,2% quando utilizado percentil 75. Houve maior probabilidade de CO entre os estudantes com 18 a 20 anos, fumantes e consumo de álcool. A probabilidade de hipertensão aumenta nos homens, com WC (waist circumference) > 90, WC > 75 e sem atividade física. CONCLUSÕES: Elevada prevalência de CO e hipertensão foi encontrada em adolescentes. CO foi mais frequente nos estudantes com 18 a 20 anos, fumantes, e consumo de álcool e hipertensão foram associados com sexo masculino, CO e ausência de atividade física.