title: The effects of socioeconomic status and short stature on overweight, obesity and the risk of metabolic complications in adults.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  to observe the relationship between socioeconomic status, height and nutritional problems related to obesity, overweight and risk of metabolic complications in men and women of Medellin (Colombia).
  
  
  METHODS
  cross-sectional study with a sample of 5556 adults between 18 and 69 years of age. We assessed weight, height and waist circumference. Socioeconomic variables were evaluated by family income, socioeconomic stratum and academic level achieved.
  
  
  RESULTS
  we found that in men and women the height reached in adulthood is associated with socioeconomic conditions as measured by the socioeconomic strata and family income. In women, height, age, and socioeconomic strata are associated with obesity, overweight and risk of obesity, and risk of metabolic complications.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These results are not only from individual unhealthy habits, such as eating patterns based on high density foods combined with low energy expenditure, but also from the cumulative effect of food deprivation throughout life. Therefore, policies intended to prevent them should take a preventive approach that begins before birth and continues during childhood and adulthood.
authors.affiliation: School of Nutrition and Dietetics at the University of Antioquia. Medellin Colombia. Research Group: social determinants of health and nutrition status.
authors.forename: Luz Stella Álvarez
authors.initials: LS
authors.lastname: Castaño
authors.affiliation: School of Nutrition and Dietetics at the University of Antioquia. Medellin Colombia. Research Group: Demography and health.
authors.forename: Alejandro Estrada
authors.initials: AE
authors.lastname: Restrepo
authors.affiliation: School of Nutrition and Dietetics at the University of Antioquia. Medellin Colombia. Research Group: social determinants of health and nutrition status.
authors.forename: Juan Diego Gomez
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Rueda
authors.affiliation: School of Nutrition and Dietetics at the University of Antioquia. Medellin Colombia. Research Group: social determinants of health and nutrition status.
authors.forename: Cristina Carreño
authors.initials: CC
authors.lastname: Aguirre
authors.affiliation: School of Nutrition and Dietetics at the University of Antioquia. Medellin Colombia. Research Group: social determinants of health and nutrition status.
authors.forename: Lorena Patricia Mancilla
authors.initials: LP
authors.lastname: López
keywords: Social inequality; heath inequalities; nutritional status; obesity; overweight; social class