Factors associated with obesity in an adult Mediterranean population: influence on plasma lipid profile.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of the study was to identify factors associated with obesity, and their influence on plasma lipid profile in an adult Mediterranean population.


METHODS
The data were obtained from a cross-sectional epidemiological survey.


METHODS
The study population resided in Andalusia, a western Mediterranean region in southern Spain.


METHODS
The survey was carried out with a random sample of 3421 subjects (1747 men, 1674 women) between 25 and 60 years of age. Blood samples were obtained for biochemical assays in a random subsample of 340 subjects (167 men, 173 women).


METHODS
Food consumption was assessed by 48-h recall. Height, weight, triceps, biceps, subscapular and suprailiac skinfolds, mid-upper arm, waist (WC) and hip circumferences, glucose, total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and triglycerides were measured. Information about lifestyles was obtained with a questionnaire.


RESULTS
Of the adult population we studied, 18.9% were obese (body mass index [BMI] > or = 30 kg/m2). A larger proportion of men than women were overweight, but the opposite was found for obesity. Mean plasma lipid values were not modified significantly by obesity or lifestyle factors, and were within the normal range. Sex, age, physical exercise and lower educational level were associated directly with the risk of obesity, and smoking was associated inversely with the risk of obesity. In obese smokers WC and waist-hip ratio were larger, and levels of HDL-cholesterol were lower (p < 0.05) than in obese nonsmokers. Glucemia was higher in obese persons who consumed alcohol (p < 0.05) than in obese persons who did not consume alcohol. The risk of hypercholesterolemia and high levels of LDL-cholesterol was associated only with age, and the risk of low levels of HDL-cholesterol was associated only with high WC.


CONCLUSIONS
Our results provide an estimate of the prevalence of obesity in the adult population in southern Spain, and of the associated factors. Sex, age, leisure-time physical exercise and educational level appear to influence obesity. Only age and WC but not BMI were associated with a risk of dyslipidemia. No dietary associations were observed between energy or macronutrient intake and plasma lipid concentrations in overweight or obese persons.
Mataix
José
J
Instituto de Nutrición y Tecnología de Alimentos, Universidad de Granada, C/Ramón y Cajal 4, E-18071 Granada, Spain.
López-Frías
Magdalena
M
Martínez-de-Victoria
Emilio
E
López-Jurado
María
M
Aranda
Pilar
P
Llopis
Juan
J
D000328:Adult; D000886:Anthropometry; D015992:Body Mass Index; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004522:Educational Status; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006949:Hyperlipidemias / Q000097:blood / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D008019:Life Style; D008055:Lipids / Q000097:blood*; D008297:Male; D011939:Mental Recall; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity / Q000097:blood / Q000150:complications* / Q000453:epidemiology; D012307:Risk Factors; D016036:Seroepidemiologic Studies; D012737:Sex Factors; D013030:Spain / Q000453:epidemiology; D049629:Waist-Hip Ratio
D008055:Lipids