[Prevalence of obesity and associated factors in elderly women].
OBJECTIVE
To analyze the prevalence of obesity in elderly women and its association with socio-demographic, biochemical and hypertension variables.


METHODS
By means of a cross sectional study, 188 outpatient women, 60 to 89 years-old were assessed. Obesity was defined by a BMI > 30 Kg/m2 (WHO, 1998). The parameters examined were age, education, marital status, fasting glycemia, total cholesterol, high and low density cholesterol lipoproteins, triglycerides and presence or absence of blood hypertension. Data analysis was performed by Pearson's Chi-square or Exact Test of Fisher and Multivariate Analysis of Logistic Regression, estimating the probability of obesity.


CONCLUSIONS
Among elderly women, 25.6% were obese. Obesity was present in the age ranges of 60 to 69 and 70 to 79 years, and positively associated (p = 0.050) to fasting glycemia > or = 126 mg/dL, with increased risk (Odds = 1.76) for elder diabetic, compared to non-diabetics women. The highest probability for obesity, around 18%, was observed in women younger than 70 years-old, triglycerides > or = 200 mg/dL, diabetic and hypertensive, emphasizing the role of associated morbidity.
Marques
Ana Paula de O
AP
Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, PE. marquesap@hotmail.com
Arruda
Ilma Kruze G de
IK
Espírito Santo
Antônio C G do
AC
Raposo
Maria Cristina F
MC
Guerra
Mariana Diniz
MD
Sales
Tiago Felipe
TF
D017677:Age Distribution; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015992:Body Mass Index; D001938:Brazil / Q000453:epidemiology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000209:etiology; D016015:Logistic Models; D008875:Middle Aged; D009752:Nutritional Status; D009765:Obesity / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology*; D015995:Prevalence; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors