Socioeconomic determinants of abdominal obesity in Medellín, Colombia

Abstract

Introduction: Excess weight associated with the distribution of body fat is one of the major risk factors for morbidity and mortality. This study analyzes data obtained from the survey “Food and Nutritional Profile of Medellín” carried out in 2010, aimed to establish some socio economic determinants of abdominal obesity. Material and Methods: Study descriptive, cross-sectional, the sample consisted of 2719 households and 5556 adults, ages 18 to 64. Abdominal obesity was assessed as >80cm for females and >94 cm for males. The social and economic determinants analyzed were family monthly income measured as the capacity to cover a basic food basket (>USD777), educational level, social stratum measured by the house and neighborhood characteristics and occupational activity as measured by the National Department of Statistics of Colombia. Results: The prevalence of abdominal obesity was 45%, higher in women than in men (55% vs 27%). Related to social determinants, abdominal obesity is higher in persons of low (OR 1,8; CI95% 1.4-2.2) and medium stratum (OR 1.6; CI95% 1.3-2.0). It affects persons with primary/elementary educational levels (OR 1.9; CI95% 1.7-2.3) more than those of high school education (OR 1.5; CI95% 1.3-1.7). Likewise abdominal obesity is higher among those with a family income less than (USD777) –not enough to acquire the basic food basket– (OR 1.6; CI95% 1.3-1.9). In men family income shows no association with abdominal obesity. Conclusions: For this population some social determinants of abdominal obesity are level of education, social stratum and family income.

Keywords

• Nutritional status
• Abdominal obesity
• Waist circumference
• Socioeconomic Factors
• Social determinants of health
• Health inequalities