Obesity among elderly accompanied by the Brazilian family health strategy

Abstract

Obesity increases morbidity and mortality rates and is a public health problem. A cross-sectional study involving 123 participants was carried out in order to identify the proportion of cases and risk factors among the overweight/obese elderly who receive care from four Family Health Strategy teams in the city of Passo Fundo, RS, Brazil. Obesity was considered the dependent variable and the remaining others as independent: gender, age, family income, education, occupation, physical activity, smoking, medication. The following anthropometric measurements were taken: weight, height, waist circumference, hip, and neck. We conducted bivariate analysis using the chi-square test with a <0.05 significance level. In the multiple model, the factors waist circumference (p=0.000) and neck circumference (p=0.000) remained associated with obesity among the elderly. In the group studied, excess weight/obesity has reached a proportion of 49.6%. The results indicate the high prevalence of excess weight/obesity, reinforcing the need for strategies from health professionals who seek wellness and longevity.