The Prevalence of Risk and Protective Factors for Noncommunicable Diseases (NCDs) among Brazilian Adults with Pre-Obesity and Obesity

Abstract

The present study aimed to identify the prevalence of risk and protective factors for noncommunicable disease (NCDs) among Brazilian adults with pre-obesity and obesity and compare it to that of non-overweight adults in the country. Data from the National Health Survey (NHS) 2013 (n = 40,942) and 2019 (n = 87,678) were used. Nutritional status was described for 2013 and 2019 according to sociodemographic characteristics, health conditions, and risk and protective factors for NCDs. Poisson regression models were used to analyze the crude and adjusted prevalence of risk and protective factors for NCDs with nutritional status in both years. Adults with pre-obesity and obesity were more likely to perform risk factors related to sedentary behavior (prolonged screen time) and less leisure-time physical activity (among adults with obesity) and active commuting (among adults with pre-obesity and obesity) and alcohol abuse. However, among adults with pre-obesity and obesity, a lower prevalence was observed in relation to the regular consumption of sweets and smoking. The identified risk and protective factors had a similar prevalence between 2013 and 2019. Brazilian adults with pre-obesity and obesity presented worrisome scenarios regarding risk and protective factor for NCDs.