Assessment of obesity with body mass index in primary care health workers in the jurisdiction of Nezahualcoyotl (Mexico)

Introduction: Overweight and obesity are considered a disease - a public health problem that has becomes one of the main factors related to deaths from cardiovascular disease in Mexico. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional descriptive study in search of inference between obesity and overweight among health caregivers and the general population in six primary care clinics that belong to the Ministry of Health of the municipality of Nezahualcoyotl. We recruited 124 participants from the different work areas of the centers, including those responsible for nutritional programs. Diagnostic parameters for obesity and overweight were body mass index, waist hip ratio and percentage of body fat (% BF). Results: Body mass index: 0.22 normal; 0.53 overweight; 0.23 obesity I; 0.03 obesity II; 0.00 obesity III. Waist circumference: normal 0.28 and above normal 0.72. Fat percentage: normal 0.20 and 0.80% higher. We found that 77% of participants were obese or overweight. Discussion: Those in charge of controlling obesity and overweight also suffer from it and can contribute to the failure of programs in the community. It is essential to develop programs in healthy lifestyle based on nutrition and physical activity. These should be applied primarily to healthcare professionals who are in charge of community lifestyle programs.