[Prevalence of overweight and obesity in Cantabria [Spain]].
OBJECTIVE
To estimate the prevalence of overweight and obesity in Cantabria (Spain).


METHODS
In the framework of the CANHTABRIA study, carried out in 2002-2004, measurements of height and weight were performed on a representative sample of 1197 subjects aged 18 years or over.


RESULTS
The overall prevalence of overweight was 37.6% (95%CI: 34.2-41); 43.8% (95%CI: 37.2-50.5) in males, and 32.4% (95%CI: 28.6-36.1) in females (p<0.01). Prevalence of obesity was 22.3% (95%CI: 19.1-25.5); 23.2% (95%CI: 16.9-29.5) in males, and 21.5% (95%CI: 18.3-24.8) in females. Compared to persons with higher education, individuals with lowest level of education had two-fold higher prevalence of overweight and obesity.


CONCLUSIONS
The Increase in weight is a public health problem in Cantabria as it affects 6 out of 10 adults of the general population, mainly males and individuals with low educational level.
Aguilera-Zubizarreta
Eulalia
E
Centro de Salud de Solares, Solares, Cantabria, Spain.
Ugarte-Miota
Teresa
T
Muñoz Cacho
Pedro
P
Vara-González
Luis
L
Sanz de Castro
Saturnino
S
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D015992:Body Mass Index; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity / Q000453:epidemiology*; D050177:Overweight / Q000453:epidemiology*; D015995:Prevalence; D012737:Sex Factors; D013030:Spain / Q000453:epidemiology