GIS mapping of agricultural plastic waste in southern Europe.

The escalating use of plastics in agriculture, driven by global population growth and increasing food demand, has concurrently led to a rise in Agricultural Plastic Waste (APW) production. Effective waste management is imperative, prompting this study to address the initial step of management, that is the quantification and localization of waste generated from different production systems in diverse regions. Focused on four Southern European countries (Italy, Spain, Greece, and Portugal) at the regional level, the study uses Geographic Information System (GIS), land use maps, indices tailored to each specific agricultural application and each crop type for plastic waste mapping. Furthermore, after the data was employed, it was validated by relevant stakeholders of the mentioned countries. The study revealed Spain, particularly the Andalusia region, as the highest contributor to APW equal to 324,000 tons per year, while Portugal's Azores region had the lowest estimate equal to 428 tons per year. Significantly, this research stands out as one of the first to comprehensively consider various plastic applications and detailed crop cultivations within the production systems, representing a pioneering effort in addressing plastic waste management in Southern Europe. This can lead further on to the management of waste in this area and the transfer of the scientific proposition to other countries.

Growth and physical development of children at apparent risk of sarcopenia.

BACKGROUND: The consequences of sarcopenia on growth have received little attention. We analysed the potential risk resulting from the low lean mass for age expressed through the appendicular lean body mass index (aLBMI) and the ratio aLBM/trunk fat mass (trFM). METHODS: The sample consisted of 580 participants 10-13 yrs evaluated twice in a 12-month interval: height, trFM, total and aLBM, whole-body bone mineral density less head (WBLH BMD), tibia and radius SOS, maturity and handgrip strength were measured. All variables except maturity and BMI were standardised according to sex and age group (Z-score) using the sample as a reference. A high risk of sarcopenia was identified for Z-scores ≤ -1 on aLBMI (Group B) or aLBM/trFM (Group C), while Z-scores > -1 on both markers were considered at low risk for sarcopenia (Group A). The ANCOVA adjusted for maturity was used to compare the three groups. RESULTS: Girls showed a more significant decrease in the total BMC/LBM ratio in Group B and a minor increase in WBLH BMD in Group C (p < 0.050); boys in Group B showed a tendency to gain less height (p = 0.053). CONCLUSION: The high risk of sarcopenia expressed through aLBMI or aLBM/trFM Z-score ≤ -1 compromises bone mineralisation in girls. IMPACT: The findings emphasise the necessity of implementing routine screening protocols for sarcopenia risk within clinical environments and educational institutions. Such screenings should extend beyond merely assessing body mass index to encompass broader body composition variables like lean body mass. By integrating these assessments into routine health evaluations, healthcare professionals and educators can proactively identify at-risk individuals and initiate timely interventions for suboptimal physical growth and development.

Musculoskeletal fitness: relative handgrip strength and vertical jump power from 10 to 18 years old.

Background: There is an increasing consensus on the relevance of musculoskeletal fitness for health throughout the life cycle, requiring evaluation approaches and description of results capable of characterizing different age groups and body sizes. This study aimed to describe the musculoskeletal fitness of young Portuguese people aged 10-18 through handgrip strength (HGS) and vertical jump power (VJP) and investigate differences between the sexes. Methods: The sample included 736 participants (359 girls recruited from schools. HGS (kg) was assessed using a handheld dynamometer, and VJP (W) was assessed using a force platform; both measurements were standardized for body mass. Results: Higher HGS and VJP were observed in boys than in girls from 13 years old (13 years: p ≤ 0.05; 14-18 years: p ≤ 0.001), with no significant differences before this age. The percentile distributions of HGS and VJP are described for each sex using the lambda, mu, sigma (LMS) method. The pattern of development of these variables as a function of age is presented. Conclusions: Handgrip strength and vertical jump power show differences between the sexes from 13 years of age and similar trajectories to populations in other countries in the same age group.

Quality of life in sarcopenia measured with the SarQoL questionnaire: A meta-analysis of individual patient data.

Age-related sarcopenia, resulting from a gradual loss in skeletal muscle mass and strength, is pivotal to the increased prevalence of functional limitation among the older adult community. The purpose of this meta-analysis of individual patient data is to investigate the difference in health-related quality of life between sarcopenic individuals and those without the condition using the Sarcopenia Quality of Life (SarQoL) questionnaire. A protocol was published on PROSPERO. Multiple databases and the grey literature were searched until March 2023 for studies reporting quality of life assessed with the SarQoL for patients with and without sarcopenia. Two researchers conducted the systematic review independently. A two-stage meta-analysis was performed. First, crude (mean difference) and adjusted (beta coefficient) effect sizes were calculated within each database; then, a random effect meta-analysis was applied to pool them. Heterogeneity was measured using the Q-test and I2 value. Subgroup analyses were performed to investigate the source of potential heterogeneity. The strength of evidence of this association was assessed using GRADE. From the 413 studies identified, 32 were eventually included, of which 10 were unpublished data studies. Sarcopenic participants displayed significantly reduced health-related quality of life compared with non-sarcopenic individuals (mean difference = -12.32; 95 % CI = [-15.27; -9.37]). The model revealed significant heterogeneity. Subgroup analyses revealed a substantial impact of regions, clinical settings, and diagnostic criteria on the difference in health-related quality of life between sarcopenic and non-sarcopenic individuals. The level of evidence was moderate. This meta-analysis of individual patient data suggested that sarcopenia is associated with lower health-related quality of life measured with SarQoL.

Physical activity and quality of life in women with breast cancer - a cross-sectional study / Atividade física e qualidade de vida em mulheres com câncer de mama - um estudo transversal / Actividad física y calidad de vida en mujeres con cáncer de mama - un estudio transversal

INTRODUCTION: Breast cancer treatment can cause different side effects on the quality of life of women. Physical activity, in turn, can reduce these side effects. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the physical activity and quality of life of women during and after breast cancer treatment. METHODS: Sample of 174 women (57.0±9.5 years) during or after clinical treatment for breast cancer. Interview questionnaire composed of general information, physical activity (IPAQ short version) and quality of life (EORTC QLQ-C30 and BR23). For statistical analysis chi-squared test or Fisher's exact test, student's t-test for independent samples, Mann-Whitney U test and multiple logistic regression analyses (p <0.05). RESULTS: Most women did not achieve the physical activity guidelines, particularly those undergoing clinical treatment. Results showed longer walking time, moderate physical activity, vigorous physical activity, moderate + vigorous physical activity, and total physical activity among the women following completion of treatment. The quality of life scores were also higher among women after clinical treatment. Logistic regression indicated that every 10-minute increment to walking time results in a 19% decrease in the probability of worse functional capacity and a 26% decrease in the probability of worse symptoms associated with treatment side effects. CONCLUSION: During treatment, women with breast cancer undertake less physical activity and have worse quality of life. Walking appears to be an effective type of physical activity for these women, improving quality of life during and after breast cancer treatment. Level of evidence II; Prognostic studies - Investigation of the effect of patient characteristics on the disease outcome.

INTRODUÇÃO: O tratamento do câncer de mama pode causar diferentes efeitos colaterais na qualidade de vida das mulheres. A atividade física, por sua vez, pode diminuir esses efeitos colaterais. OBJETIVO: Investigar a atividade física e a qualidade de vida de mulheres durante e após o tratamento para câncer de mama. MÉTODOS: Amostra de 174 mulheres (57,0 ± 9,5 anos) durante e depois do tratamento de câncer de mama. Questionário de entrevista composto de informações gerais, atividade física (versão curta do IPAQ) e qualidade de vida (EORTC QLQ-C30 e BR23). Para a análise estatística foram usados Qui-quadrado ou Exato de Fisher, teste T de Student para amostras independentes, teste U de Mann-Whitney e análises de regressão logística múltipla (p < 0,05). RESULTADOS: A maioria das mulheres não atingiu as recomendações de atividade física, com destaque para as mulheres que estavam em tratamento clínico. Os resultados mostraram mais tempo de caminhada, atividade física moderada, atividade física vigorosa, atividade física moderada + vigorosa e atividade física total em mulheres após o término do tratamento. Os escores de qualidade de vida também foram mais altos entre as mulheres após o término do tratamento. A regressão logística indicou que cada acréscimo de 10 minutos no tempo de caminhada resulta em diminuição de 19% da probabilidade de capacidade funcional mais baixa e de 26% de desenvolver mais sintomas mais graves associados aos efeitos colaterais do tratamento. CONCLUSÃO: Durante o tratamento, as mulheres com câncer de mama praticam menos AF e têm pior qualidade de vida. A prática de caminhada parece ser um tipo efetivo de atividade física para essas mulheres, melhorando a qualidade de vida durante e depois do tratamento de câncer de mama. Nível de evidência II; Estudos prognósticos - Investigação do efeito das características do paciente sobre o desfecho da doença.

INTRODUCCIÓN: El tratamiento del cáncer de mama puede promover diferentes efectos secundarios en la calidad de vida de las mujeres. A su vez, la actividad física puede disminuir estos efectos colaterales. OBJETIVO: Investigar la actividad física y la calidad de vida de las mujeres durante y después del tratamiento contra el cáncer de mama. MÉTODOS: Muestra de 174 mujeres (57,0 ± 9,5 años) que se encontraban en tratamiento y post tratamiento para el cáncer de mama. Cuestionario de entrevista compuesto de información general, actividad física (versión corta IPAQ) y calidad de vida (EORTC QLQ-C30 y BR23). Para análisis estadístico Chi-cuadrado o Exacto de Fisher, Test T Student para muestras independientes, U de Mann-Whitney y análisis de regresión logística múltiple (p < 0,05). RESULTADOS: La mayoría de las mujeres no alcanzaron las recomendaciones de actividad física, destacando para las mujeres que se encontraban en tratamiento. Los resultados mostraron más tiempo de caminata, actividad física moderada, actividad física vigorosa, actividad física moderada + intensidad vigorosa y actividad física total en mujeres post tratamiento. La calidad de vida también se mostró mejor entre las mujeres después de finalizar el tratamiento. La regresión logística apuntó que cada agregado de 10 minutos en el tiempo de caminata resulta en una disminución del 19% en la probabilidad de una peor capacidad funcional de la calidad de vida, y en un 26% de desarrollo de una peor sintomatología en relación a los efectos colaterales del tratamiento. CONCLUSIÓN: Durante el tratamiento, las mujeres con cáncer de mama practican menos actividad física y presentan peor calidad de vida. La práctica de caminar parece un tipo efectivo de actividad física para mujeres con cáncer de mama, mejorando la calidad de vida durante y después del período de tratamiento. Nivel de evidencia II; Estudios pronósticos - Investigación del efecto de característica de un paciente sobre el desenlace de la enfermedad.

Concentrate intake and performance of dairy calves subjected to programs of supplementary lighting / Consumo de concentrado e desempenho de bezerras leiteiras submetidas a programas de iluminação suplementar

ABSTRACT: This research aimed to assess Girolando calves' concentrate intake and performance when placed in shelters with distinct roofing materials and programs of supplementary lighting during the milk-feeding stage. In order to so, we used a completely randomized design with a 3×3 factorial arrangement, with three replications. Females Girolando calves (n=27) were assigned in individual shelters at random with 3 different roofing materials (fiber cement tile, recycled tile and thatched roofs) and subjected to three lighting programs (12, 16 and 20 hours). No interaction was observed between roofing material and lighting programs, whilst no significant effect (P>0.05) was observed among the roofing materials. The supplementary lighting, by providing greater light exposure time, has stimulated intake and therefore, significantly affected (P<0.05) the concentrate intake and performance of the animals that were subjected to 20 hours of light.

RESUMO: Essa pesquisa teve como objetivo avaliar o consumo de concentrado e o desempenho de bezerras da raça Girolando quando colocadas em abrigos com materiais de cobertura e programas de iluminação suplementar distintos, durante a fase de aleitamento. Para tal, nós utilizamos o delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado em arranjo fatorial 3×3, com três repetições. As bezerras Girolando (n=27) foram distribuídas ao acaso em abrigos individuais, com materiais de cobertura distintos (telha de fibrocimento, telha reciclada e cobertura com palha), e sujeitas a três programas de iluminação (12, 16 e 20h). Não houve interação entre os mateiral de cobertura×programas de iluminação, ao mesmo tempo que não foi observado efeito significativo (P>0,05) para os materiais de cobertura. A iluminação suplementar, proporcionando maior tempo de luz, tem estimulado a ingestão, e, portanto, apresentou efeito significativo (P<0,05) no consumo de concentrado e desempenho dos animais submetidos a 20h de iluminação.

Prevalence of sufficient physical activity in middle-aged women from a Brazilian state capital / Prevalência de níveis suficientes de atividade física em mulheres de meia-idade de uma Capital Brasileira

The objective of this study was to describe the prevalence of sufficient physical activity (PA) in middle-aged women from Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil. The sample included 1,011 women ranging in age from 45 to 59 years. Physical activity was evaluated using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). The sample was divided into three age groups (A: 45-49; B: 50-54; C: 55-59 years). According to WHO recommendations, 87% of the participants were sufficiently active. Walking (C: 55±41 vs. A: 45±41 min/day; p=0.013) and vigorous PA (C: 17±33 vs. A: 13±30 min/day; p=0.117) were more frequently performed by women of group C compared to group A. Linear regression analysis showed that total PA did not increase with age (R²=0.248; p=0.059), educational level (R²=0.259; p=0.076), or body mass index (R²=0.072; p=0.334), although total PA tended to be positively associated with age and educational level. In conclusion, 87% of the middle-aged women studied were sufficiently active. Higher levels of PA were observed among women aged 55-59 years, which were mainly a consequence of more frequent walking and vigorous PA.

O principal objetivo deste estudo foi descrever a prevalência de mulheres de meia-idade do município de Florianópolis, SC suficientemente ativas. Participaram 1011 mulheres dos 45-59 anos. A atividade física (AF) foi avaliada por meio do Questionário Internacional de Atividade Física (IPAQ). De acordo com a idade, a amostra foi categorizada em três faixas etárias (A:45-49; B:50-54; C:55-59 anos). Conforme as recomendações da OMS, 87% das participantes foram consideradas suficientemente ativas. O grupo C revelou valores mais elevados de caminhada (C:55±41 vs. A:45±41 min/d; p=0,013) e de AF vigorosa (C:17±33 vs. A:13±30 min/d; p=0,117) comparativamente ao grupo A. A regressão linear mostrou que a AF total não aumentou com a idade (R²=0,248; p=0,059), com a escolaridade (R²=0,259; p=0,076), ou com o índice de massa corporal (R²= 0,072; p= 0,334), apesar de uma tendência positiva associada à idade e à escolaridade. Concluindo, 87% das mulheres de meia-idade do município de Florianópolis-SC eram suficientemente ativas; os níveis mais elevados de AF foram observados nas mulheres de 55-59 anos, principalmente, devidos à caminhada e à prática de AF vigorosa.

Cardiovascular fitness and cardiovascular risk factors among obese men and women aged 58 years and older, in Portugal / Asociación entre el test de caminata de seis minutos y factores de riesgo cardiovascular en portugueses obesos

Background: A better physical fitness may have survival advantages in adults. Aim: To analyze the relationship between cardiorespiratory fitness and cardiovascular risk factors among obese subjects aged 58 years and older. Material and Methods: Cardiorespiratory fitness using the six-minute walk test, body composition by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry and blood pressure were measured in a non-representative sample of 76 obese Portuguese subjects aged 58 to 87 years (55 women). Participants were stratified in tertiles of walking capacity according to the six-minute walk test. Results: Six minutes walk test results were negatively correlated with percentage body fat (r = -0.28; p = 0.012) and systolic blood pressure (r = -0.23; p = 0.045). Participants located in the lowest tertile for the six minutes walk test had an odds ratio of4.34 (95% confidence intervals: 1.02-18.43) for elevated blood pressure. Conclusions: A lower six minutes walk test result is associated with a higher risk for high blood pressure.

Antecedentes: Una mejor condición física se asocia a mejor sobrevida en adultos. Objetivos: Estudiar la relación entre condición física y factores de riesgo cardiovascular en obesos mayores de 58 años. Material y Métodos: Se midió la capacidad cardiorrespiratoria mediante la prueba de caminata de seis minutos, composición corporal mediante densitometría de doble fotón y presión arterial en una muestra no representativa de 76 portugueses de 58 a 87 años (55 mujeres). Los participantes se estratificaron en terciles de acuerdo a los resultados de la prueba de seis minutos. Resultados: Los resultados de la prueba de caminata de seis minutos se correlacionaron negativamente con el porcentaje de grasa corporal (r = -0,28; p = 0,012) y presión sistólica (r = -0,23; p = 0,045). Los participantes ubicados en el tercil más bajo de la prueba de caminata de seis minutos tenían una razón de riesgo para hipertensión arterial de 4,34 (intervalos de confianza de 95%: 1,02- 18,43). Conclusiones: Una prueba de caminata de seis minutos con bajos resultados se asocia a un mayor riesgo de hipertensión arterial.

Atividade física habitual e qualidade de vida de mulheres na meia-idade / Habitual physical activity and quality of life of middle-aged women

OBJETIVO: Analisar a relação entre a atividade física habitual (AF) e a qualidade de vida (QV) de mulheres na meia-idade. MÉTODOS: Participaram do estudo 1.011 mulheres dos 45 aos 59 anos de idade, das quais 370 eram perimenopausadas e 641 pós-menopausadas, com índice de massa corporal (IMC) de 25 ± 4kg/m² e escolaridade entre um e 13 anos. A QV foi avaliada pelo WHOQOL-bref da WHO e a AF através do International Physical Activity Questionnaire. RESULTADOS: Após a divisão da amostra em três grupos, de acordo com a prática de AF total (A: < 30 min/dia; B: 30-60 min/dia; C: > 60 min/dia), a análise da variância ajustada para o IMC e menopausa (peri vs. pós), mostrou diferenças de QV entre os grupos A e B e o grupo C no domínio físico, e entre o grupo A e os grupos B e C nos domínios psicológico, social e ambiental (p ≤ 0,001). CONCLUSÃO: A prática de 30 min/dia de AF de intensidade pelo menos moderada parece estar associada a efeitos mais favoráveis aos níveis psicológico, social e ambiental, mas parecem ser necessários pelo menos 60 min/dia para influenciar o domínio físico. Estas associações podem, no entanto, refletir o impacto da QV na quantidade total de AF. Assim, a prática de 30 min/dia pode ser mais condicionada pelos domínios psicológico, social e ambiental, enquanto os 60 min/dia pelo domínio físico.

OBJECTIVE: To assess associations between of regular physical activity (PA) and quality of life (QL) in middle age women. METHODS: 1011 female subjects, aged 45-59, took part in the research, considering 370 peri-menopausal and 641 post-menopausal, within the body mass index (BMI) 25±4 kg/m2 and schooling average 1-13 years. The QL was evaluated by the WHOQOL, and the PA through the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. RESULTS: After dividing the sample into three groups according to the practice of total PA (A: <30 min/day; B: 30-60 min/day, C:> 60 min/day), analysis of variance adjusted for BMI and menopausal status (peri vs. postmenopause) showed differences in QL between groups A, B and group C in the physical domain and between group A and group B, C in psychological, social and environmental domains (p≤0.001). CONCLUSION: The accumulation of 30 min/day of total PA seems to be associated with more favorable effects on the psychological, social and environmental domains; however, it seems that at least 60 min/day are necessary to act on the physical domain. Nevertheless, such associations may reflect the impact of QL in the total amount of PA. Thus, the PA practice 30 min/day may be more conditioned by the psychological, social and environmental domains while the practice of 60 min/day by the physical domain.

Relationship between physical activity and menopausal symptoms / Relação entre atividade física e sintomas da menopausa

O objetivo deste estudo transversal foi analisar a relação entre atividade física (AF) total diária e os sintomas da menopausa, uma vez que a influência da AF sobre os sintomas da menopausa, tem sido examinada principalmente através de uma das componentes da atividade física total, que é o exercício estruturado. Os sintomas da menopausa e a AF foram avaliados em 1011 mulheres peri (Peri-MM) e pós menopausadas (Pós-MM), utilizando o índice de Kupperman e o Questionário Internacional de Atividade Física - IPAQ. Após a divisão de cada grupo em subgrupos de acordo com a freqüência de cada sintoma (A: ausência, B: baixa, C: moderada, D: elevada frequência), as Peri-MM que relataram elevada frequência de fogachos, problemas de memória e zumbidos nos ouvidos demonstraram uma menor atividade física total comparativamente às Peri-MM com menor frequência destes sintomas. As Pós-MM que reportaram elevada frequência de vertigem e zumbido nos ouvidos, apresentaram também menor AF total e/ou caminhada do que as Pós-MM com menor frequência destes sintomas. A AF diária não parece determinar a ocorrência dos sintomas da menopausa, mas parece diminuir a freqüência de alguns deles, especificamente com um acúmulo de ~100 min de AF total e/ou ~50 min de caminhada, particularmente em Peri-MM.

The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to analyze the relationship between total daily physical activity (PA) and menopausal symptoms, since the influence of PA on menopause related symptoms has mainly been examined through a component of total PA, namely, structured exercise. Menopausal symptoms and PA were evaluated in 1011 peri (Peri-MW) and postmenopausal women (Post-MW) using the Kupperman index and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). After dividing each group into subgroups according to the frequency of each symptom (A-absence, B-low, C-moderate, D-high), Peri-MW who report high hot flashes, memory problems and humming ears, presented less total PA compared to those who reported less frequent symptoms. Also Post-MW reporting high vertigo and humming ears revealed less total PA or walking time than Post-MW with lower frequency of symptoms. Everyday PA does not seem to determine the occurrence of menopausal symptoms, but it does appear to lessen the frequency of some of them, specifically with a daily accumulation of ~100 min of total PA and/or ~50 min of walking, particularly in Peri-MW.

Índice de massa corporal e qualidade de vida relacionada com a saúde em mulheres de meia-idade / Body mass index and health related quality of life in middle-age women

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: As mudanças na meia-idade estão geralmente associadas a uma diminuição da qualidade de vida (QV). O principal objetivo foi analisar a influência do índice de massa corporal (IMC) na QV de mulheres de meia-idade. MÉTODO: participaram do estudo 432 mulheres, com idade entre 45 e 59 anos (51,9 ± 4,5 anos); IMC entre 16,4 e 44,6 kg/m2 (25 ± 4 kg/m2), escolaridade entre 1 e 13 anos (11 ± 3 anos). A QV foi avaliada pelo WHOQOL– bref (OMS), o IMC foi calculado de acordo com o peso e a altura reportados pelas participantes e a prática de atividade física (AF) através do International Physical Activity Questionaire (IPAQ). RESULTADOS: A análise descritiva revelou que os escores obtidos no domínio físico (61% ± 11%), psicológico (63% ± 12%), social (72% ± 21%) e ambiental (69% ± 15%), são indicadores de boa QV e que 75% das mulheres eram ativas. Após a divisão da amostra em 3 grupos de acordo com o IMC (menos de 18,5 kg/m2, entre 18,5 e 24,9 kg/m2 e pelo menos 25 kg/m2), designadamente, o grupo A (17,7 ± 0,6 kg/m2), o grupo B (22,8 ± 1,4 kg/m2), e o grupo C (28,5 ± 3,4 kg/m2), a ANCOVA, ajustada para a AF total, idade e anos de escolaridade evidenciou diferenças, entre o grupo A e os grupos B e C nos domínios sociais (A = 57% ± 6% versus B = 73% ± 1%, p = 0,010; versus C = 72% ± 2%, p = 0,018) e ambiental (A = 60% ± 4% versus B = 69% ± 1%, p = 0,035; versus C = 70% ± 1%, p = 0,038), e entre o grupo A e C no domínio psicológico (A = 57% ± 3% versus C = 64% ± 1%, p = 0,038). CONCLUSÃO: As mulheres de meia-idade magras, devido ao peso insuficiente para a altura, relataram uma QV mais baixa nos domínios social, ambiental e psicológico do que as que têm IMC normal ou acima do normal.(AU)

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Changes in the middle age are usually associated to a decrease in quality of life (QOL). The aim of this study was to analyse the influence of the body mass index (BMI) in QOL of middle age women. METHODS: 432 women aged 45 and 59 years old (51.9 ± 4.5 years of age); BMI between 16.4 and 44.6 kg/m² (25 ± 4 kg/m2), schooling between 1 and 13 years (11 ± 3 years). QOL was assessed through the WHOQOL-bref (WHO), the BMI was calculated according to the weight and height reported by the participants, and the physical activity practice through the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). RESULTS: The descriptive analysis revealed that the obtained scores in the physical (61% ± 11%), psychological (63% ± 12%), social (72% ± 21%), and environmental (69% ± 15%) domain, are indicators of good QOL and that 75% of the women were sufficiently active. After the splitting of the samples into 3 groups according the BMI (less than 18.5 kg/m2, between 18.5 and 24.9 kg/m2 and at least 25 kg/m2), namely, the group A (17.7 ± 0.6 kg/m2), the group B (22.8 ± 1.4 kg/m2), and the group C (28.5 ± 3.4 kg/m2), the ANCOVA, adjusted to the total PA, age, schooling years, showed differences between the group A and the groups B and C in the social (A = 57% ± 6% versus B = 73% ± 1%, p = 0.010; versus C = 72% ± 2%, p = 0.018), and environmental (A = 60% ± 4% versus B = 69% ± 1%, p = 0.035; versus C = 70% ± 1%, p = 0.038) domains, and between the groups A and C in the psychological domain (A = 57% ± 3% versus C = 64% ± 1%, p = 0.038). CONCLUSION: The middle age thin women, due to an insufficient body weight to height, reported a lower QOL in the social, environmental, and psychological domains than the ones presenting normal or above the normal BMI.(AU)