[Childhood overweight and obesity: A biomedical challenge in Mexico]. / Sobrepeso y obesidad infantil: un reto biomédico en México.

In Mexico, 1 out of 3 schoolchildren aged 5 to 11 years is overweight or obese, which represents one of the main public health concerns, due to the fact that this condition in the child population is highly associated with the development of metabolic complications in adults. To date, dietary and physical activity interventions to prevent this problem have shown modest results worldwide. Biomedical studies in Mexico have shown that the pathophysiology of childhood overweight and obesity presents different molecular patterns, inflammation and oxidative stress, possibly associated with specific variants in the genome. However, the challenge is to achieve a secure characterization of this evidence so that it can be used in intervention studies aimed to improve the ability to predict and treat childhood overweight and obesity in Mexico. The biomedical challenge is to make knowledge a prevention strategy in families, in society and in the country, in order to fight the serious problem of obesity and its consequences.

En México 1 de cada 3 escolares de 5 a 11 años presenta sobrepeso u obesidad, lo cual representa una de las principales preocupaciones de salud pública, debido a que en la población infantil este padecimiento se asocia altamente con el desarrollo de complicaciones metabólicas en el adulto. Hasta el momento las intervenciones dietéticas y de actividad física para prevenir este problema han mostrado resultados modestos a nivel mundial. Los estudios biomédicos en México han demostrado que la fisiopatología del sobrepeso y la obesidad infantil presenta diferentes patrones moleculares, de inflamación y de estrés oxidativo, posiblemente asociados a variantes específicas en el genoma. Sin embargo, el reto es lograr la caracterización segura de estas evidencias para que sea posible emplearlas en los estudios de intervención encaminados a mejorar la capacidad de predicción y tratamiento del sobrepeso y la obesidad infantil en México. El reto biomédico es hacer del conocimiento una estrategia de prevención en las familias, en la sociedad y en el país, a fin de combatir el grave problema de la obesidad y sus consecuencias.

Double Burden of Malnutrition and Inequalities in the Nutritional Status of Adults: A Population-Based Study in Brazil, 2019.

Objective: To describe the inequalities in the double burden of malnutrition (DBM) in the adult population. Methods: Study carried out with data from the VIGITEL study, conducted in 2019 in all Brazilian capitals. Underweight and excess weight were evaluated on the basis of years of schooling and age. Multi-level analysis was performed including Human Development Index of each capital and individual-level variables. The inequality slope index was used to assess the magnitude of the inequalities found. All analyses considered the svy command owing to the complexity of the sampling process. Results: 47.119 individuals were studied. Men with no education had 6 percentage points more underweight compared to those with higher education. Higher prevalence of excess weight was found among men with higher education and women with no education. In women, the difference was 18 percentage points between extreme categories. Elderly people with no education had 10 percentage points more excess weight than those with higher education. Conclusions: The findings suggest the need for intersectoral actions that can cope with the social inequalities and help confronting with the DBM in Brazil.

Associations between overweight and obesity and health enhancing behaviours among female nurses in Poland.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: The nursing profession entails many negative factors and high risk of chronic diseases, including overweight and obesity. The aim of the study is to investigate the prevalence of overweight and obesity and health enhancing behaviours in Polish female nurses, and associations between overweight and 4 groups of such behaviours, age and shift work. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The analysis covered data obtained through cross-sectional survey carried out in a group of 994 nurses with an average age of 43. The analysis covered answers about 29 health-enhancing behaviours divided into 4 categories (subscales): 1) nutrition, 2) physical activity, 3) sleep, rest and behaviours related to mental health, 4) preventive behaviours. They were analysed through the validated Positive Health Behaviours Scale for adults. The analysis also covered answers about avoiding drinking large amounts of alcohol in one go, not smoking, avoiding passive smoking, not abusing unprescribed drugs. RESULTS: The prevalence of overweight and obesity was 44%. Of 29 health behaviours concerned with nutrition, physical activity, sleep, rest, and mental health, preventive behaviours, 3 were exhibited always or almost always by over a half of the nurses. Health behaviours were more common in nurses whose BMI was normal than in nurses with BMI ≥ 25.0. Age and low physical activity levels were related to overweight and obesity in nurses. CONCLUSIONS: The study revealed a high prevalence of overweight and obesity and many deficits in health behaviours. Obesity and health behaviour deficits pose risks to the health of nurses, limit their involvement in prevention and treatment of patient obesity and impact as health educators. It is essential to engage in actions for health promotion among nurses.

Spirulina platensis en el tratamiento de la obesidad y de algunas de sus consecuencias / Spirulina platensis in the Treatment of Obesity and some of its Consequences

Introducción: La Spirulina platensis constituye un sustancial reservorio de nutrientes y de alimentos funcionales con un bajo contenido de calorías. Aunque en la literatura se mencionan varias cualidades benéficas, una de ellas es aumentar la sensación de saciedad, lo que abre la posibilidad de ser empleada en la prevención y tratamiento de la obesidad y de algunas de sus consecuencias. Objetivo: Describir el papel de la Spirulina platensis en el tratamiento de la obesidad y de algunas de sus consecuencias. Métodos: Se realizó una búsqueda de literatura relevante sobre el tema en el primer cuatrimestre de 2020. Se utilizaron como buscadores de información científica: Pubmed, Scielo, Google y Google Académico. La estrategia de búsqueda incluyó los siguientes términos como palabras clave: Espirulina; Spirulina platensis; Obesidad; Exceso de peso. Se evaluaron artículos de revisión, de investigación y páginas Web que, en general, tenían menos de 10 años de publicados, en idioma español, portugués e inglés, y que hicieran referencia específicamente al tema de estudio a través del título. Fueron excluidos los artículos que no cumplieron con estas condiciones. Esto permitió el estudio de 75 referencias bibliográficas, de las cuales 51 se citaron en el presente artículo. Conclusiones: La Spirulina platensis representa una opción como suplemento nutraceútico y funcional, con valor preventivo y coadyuvante en el tratamiento de la obesidad y de algunas de sus consecuencias, al menos a corto plazo(AU)

Introduction: Spirulina platensis is a substantial reservoir of functional foods and nutrients with low calorie content. Although several beneficial qualities are mentioned in the scientific literature, one of them is to increase the feeling of satiety, which opens the possibility of being used for preventing and treating obesity, as well as some of its consequences. Objective: To describe the role of Spirulina platensis for treating obesity and some of its consequences. Methods: A search of relevant literature on the subject was carried out in the first four months of 2020. The following scientific information search engines were used: Pubmed, Scielo, Google and Google Scholar. The search strategy included the following terms as keywords: espirulina [spirulina], Spirulina platensis, obesidad [obesity], exceso de peso [overweight]. Review articles, research articles and Web pages were assessed, which, in general, had been published within less than ten years, in Spanish, Portuguese and English, and which made specific reference to the study topic through their titles. Articles that did not meet these conditions were excluded. This allowed the study of 75 bibliographic references, of which 51 were cited in this article. Conclusions: Spirulina platensis is an option as a nutraceutical and functional supplement, with preventive and coadjutant value for the treatment of obesity and some of its consequences, at least in the short term(AU)

Factores de riesgo para obesidad en población femenina del Istmo de Tehuantepec, Oaxaca, México / Risk factors for obesity in the female population of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, Oaxaca, Mexico

Resumen Justificación y objetivo: La identificación de los factores de riesgo asociados a la obesidad contribuye a implementar estrategias para la modificación de conductas y estilos de vida saludables. En la región del Istmo de Oaxaca, México, no hay registros sobre dicho fenómeno. El presente estudio determina los niveles de obesidad y su relación con factores de riesgo entre la población femenina residente en las localidades de Santa María Xadani y Juchitán de Zaragoza. Métodos: A través de un estudio transversal, se encuestó a 355 mujeres para documentar información sociodemográfica, antecedentes de salud, hábitos de alimentación y ejercicio. Mediante una exploración física se midió la masa corporal y altura para el cálculo del índice de masa corporal, y así se estableció el nivel de obesidad de acuerdo con la Norma Oficial Mexicana NOM-043-SSA2-2012. La información se analizó mediante estadística descriptiva y regresión logística. Resultados: El 38,6 % de las mujeres presentaba sobrepeso y en el 39,2 % se encontró en algún nivel de obesidad. Los factores de riesgo encontrados fueron la procedencia rural, el hábito de cenar, los antecedentes familiares de enfermedades crónico - degenerativas y el sedentarismo, que representaron un riesgo de 1,6; 1,6; 1,8 y 1,9 veces más a desarrollar algún nivel de obesidad, respectivamente. Conclusiones: La prevalencia de sobrepeso y obesidad entre las mujeres fue alta (77,8 %). Se identificaron cuatro factores de riesgo para el desarrollo de obesidad. Es necesario implementar estrategias integrales de atención a la problemática en la población estudiada, en particular, en la infantil.

Abstract Background and aim: The identification of risk factors associated with obesity helps to implement strategies for the modification of healthy behaviors and lifestyles. In the isthmus region of Oaxaca, Mexico, there are no records of this phenomenon. The present study determines the levels of obesity and the relationship with risk factors among the female population that resides in the towns of Santa Maria Xadani and Juchitan de Zaragoza. Methods: Through a cross-sectional study, 355 women were surveyed to document sociodemographic information, health history, and eating habits and exercise. Through a physical examination, body mass and height were measured for the calculation of the body mass index, and thus the level of obesity was established according to the Official Mexican Standard NOM-043-SSA2-2012. The information was analyzed using descriptive statistic and logistic regression. Results: 38,6% of women are overweight and in 39,2% some level of obesity was found. The risk factors identified were rural origin, the habit of dinning, family history o cfhronic degenerative diseases and sedentary lifestyle, which represent a risk of 1,6; 1,6; 1,8 and 1,9 times more to develop some level of obesity, respectively. Conclusions: The prevalence of overweight and obesity among women was high (77,8%). Four risk factors for the development of obesity were identified. It is necessary to implement strategies for attention to the problem in the population studied, particularly in children.

Exonic polymorphism (rs315952, Ser133Ser) of interleukin 1 receptor antagonist (IL1RN) is related to overweigh/obese with hypertension.

Recent studies demonstrated that interleukin 1 receptor antagonist (IL-1RN) plays an important role in metabolic effects. To investigate whether IL1RN polymorphisms are associated with obesity, two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the IL1RN gene [rs4251961 (-828, T> C) and rs315952 (Ser133Ser)] were analyzed in 122 overweigh/obese and 123 control subjects. Overweigh/obese subjects were classified according to body mass index (BMI). SNPStats was used to obtain odds ratios (ORs), 95% confidence intervals (CIs), and P values. Multiple logistic regression models (codominant1, codominant2, dominant, recessive, and log-additive) were conducted to analyze the genetic data. Synonymous SNP (rs315952) of the IL1RN gene was associated with overweigh/obese with hypertension (OR= 4.98, 95% CI= 1.74-14.19, P = 0.003 in codominant 1 model and OR= 3.98, 95% CI= 1.48-10.74, P= 0.0029 in dominant model). However, another SNP (rs4151961) did not show association with overweigh/obese or overweigh/obese with hypertension. These results suggest that exonic SNP of IL1RN (rs 315952, Ser133Ser) may be contributed to overweigh/obese with hyper-tension.

Prevalencia de diabetes gestacional en el Hospital Gestionar Bienestar, Zapatoca, Santander 2013 - 2017 / Prevalence of gestational diabetes in the Gestionar Bienestar Hospital, Zapatoca, Santander 2013-2017

Resumen Introducción: La diabetes gestacional se define como la hiperglucemia con inicio o primer reconocimiento durante el embarazo. Es una de las complicaciones más comunes del embarazo, con una prevalencia de hasta el 10% en los países desarrollados y con limitada información en población colombiana. Objetivo: Determinar la prevalencia de diabetes gestacional y la frecuencia de los factores de riesgo en pacientes que acudieron al Hospital Gestionar Bienestar de Zapatoca, Santander, entre 2013 y 2017. Materiales y Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo, retrospectivo de corte transversal, se trabajó con una muestra de historias clínicas de pacientes que acudieron a controles prenatales al Hospital de Zapatoca, y que culminaron sus gestaciones entre junio 2013 y abril 2017. Resultados: De 297 gestantes registradas, 269 fueron incluidas para determinar la prevalencia de diabetes. En promedio, las participantes empezaron sus controles con 12 ± 0,74 semanas de gestación y edad de 25 ± 0,7 años. La prevalencia de diabetes gestacional fue de 4,46%. El 41,32% de las gestantes empezó controles prenatales con sobrepeso u obesidad según clasificación del estado nutricional de Atalah, encontrándose mayor frecuencia de diabetes en las gestantes con elevado índice de masa corporal y edad materna avanzada. Conclusiones: La prevalencia obtenida en el presente estudio es inferior a la descrita en otros estudios en Latinoamérica. Los resultados sugieren que la edad materna avanzada y el índice de masa corporal alto al inicio de la gestación fueron factores de riesgo para desarrollar diabetes gestacional en esta población. MÉD.UIS. 2018;31(2):17-23.

Abstract Background: Gestational diabetes is defined as hyperglycemia with onset or first recognition during pregnancy. It is one of the most common pregnancy complications, with a prevalence of up to 10% in developed countries and with limited information in colombian population. Objective: To determine the prevalence of gestational diabetes and the frequency of risk factors in patients who attended the Gestionar Bienestar Hospital of Zapatoca, Santander, between 2013 and 2017. Materials and Methods: A descriptive retrospective cross-sectional study was carried out. A clinical sample of patients who came to perform their prenatal checkups at the Gestionar Bienestar hospital of Zapatoca, who completed their pregnancies between june 2013 and april 2017. Results: Of 297 registered pregnant women, 269 were included to determine the prevalence of diabetes. On average, the participants started their controls with 12 ± 0.74 weeks of gestation and age of 25 ± 0.7 years. The prevalence of gestational diabetes was 4.46%. 41.32% of the pregnant women started prenatal controls with overweight or obesity according to Atalah nutritional status classification, with higher frequency of diabetes in pregnant women with high body mass index and advanced maternal age Conclusions: The prevalence obtained in the present study was lower than that described in other studies in Latin America. The results suggest that advanced maternal age and high body mass index at the beginning of gestation were risk factors for developing gestational diabetes in this population. MÉD.UIS. 2018;31(2):17-23.

Exercise and fruit/vegetable intake in a sample of Brazilian university students: association with nutritional status / Exercício físico e consumo de frutas/hortaliças em amostra de universitários brasileiros: associação com estado nutricional

The objective of this study was to identify the frequency of practice of exercise and fruit/vegetable intake in a representative sample of Brazilian university students and their possible association with nutritional status. The sample consisted of 1177 individuals of both sexes, aged 18-35 years, selected randomly. Information about the frequency of exercise and fruit/vegetable intake was obtained with the National College Health Assessment-II self-administered questionnaire. Nutritional status was defined based on body mass index according to the cut-off values recommended by the World Health Organization. The results showed that the practice of cardio-respiratory and resistance exercises were reported by 51.5% and 32.5% of the sample, respectively. Less than 4% of the university students had an adequate fruit/vegetable intake. Proportion of occurrence of excess body weight was equivalent to 32.4%, being significantly higher in men (45.6% vs 22.33%; p < 0.005). The risk to identify excess body weight in university students who reported not consuming fruits/vegetables daily was two to three times higher than their peers who reported an adequate intake (women: OR = 2.89 [95%CI: 2.28 ­ 3.62]; men: OR = 1.96 [95%CI: 1.44 ­ 2.60]). Exposure risk for excess body weight was progressively lower according to reported higher frequency of practice of cardio-respiratory exercise. In conclusion, the findings suggest immediate interventions aimed at emphasizing the healthy practice of exercise and food intake could help to minimize the risk of appearance and development of excess body weight.

O objetivo do estudo foi identificar a frequência de prática de exercício físico e consumo de frutas/hortaliças e suas possíveis associações com estado nutricional em amostra representativa de universitários brasileiros. A amostra foi constituída por 1177 sujeitos de ambos os sexos, com idade entre 18 e 35 anos, selecionada aleatoriamente. As informações relacionadas à frequência de prática de exercício físico e consumo de frutas/hortaliças foram obtidas mediante aplicação do questionário auto-administrado National College Health Assessment-II. Estado nutricional foi definido mediante índice de massa corporal, adotando-se pontos-de-corte recomendados pela Organização Mundial da Saúde. Os resultados mostraram que a prática de exercícios cardiorrespiratórios e resistidos foi relatada por 51,5% e 32,5% da amostra, respectivamente. Menos de 4% dos universitários apontaram consumo ade-quado de frutas/hortaliças. Proporção de ocorrência de excesso de peso corporal foi equivalente a 32,4%, significativamente mais elevada nos rapazes (45,6% vs 22,3%; p<0,005). Risco de identificar excesso de peso corporal em universitários que relataram não consumir frutas/hortaliças diariamente foi de duas a três vezes maior que em seus pares que relataram consumo adequado (mulheres: OR = 2,89 [IC95%: 2,28 ­ 3,62]; homens: OR = 1,96 [IC95%: 1,44 ­ 2,60]). Exposição de risco para excesso de peso corporal foi progressivamente menor de acordo com a maior frequência relatada de prática de exercícios cardiorrespiratórios. Concluindo, os achados sugerem intervenções imediatas voltadas à adoção de hábitos de prática de exercício físico e consumo alimentar saudáveis, auxiliando na minimização dos riscos de aparecimento e desenvolvimento do excesso de peso corporal.

FATORES ASSOCIADOS À APTIDÃO CARDIORRESPIRATÓRIA DE ESCOLARES / FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH CARDIORESPIRATORY FITNESS IN SCHOOL STUDENTS / FACTORES ASOCIADOS A LA APTITUD CARDIORRESPIRATORIA DE LOS ESCOLARES

RESUMO Introdução: Há alta prevalência de jovens que não atendem ao critério de saúde para aptidão cardior- respiratória, o que os expõe a riscos relacionados à saúde metabólica, cardiovascular e mental. Dessa forma, é relevante investigar quais aspectos estão associados à aptidão cardiorrespiratória de jovens. Objetivo: Analisar os fatores associados à aptidão cardiorrespiratória em escolares. Métodos: Estudo transversal que envolveu 736 escolares (50,1% do sexo feminino) com idade entre 10 a 18 anos. Foram analisadas a condição socioeconômica, escolaridade paterna, número de irmãos, percepção de atividade física, atividade física moderada a vigorosa, participação nas aulas de educação física, prática esportiva, local para prática, transporte ativo e comportamento sedentário. Foram coletadas medidas de estatura, massa corporal e realizado um teste de aptidão cardiorrespiratória. Para estimar a razão de prevalência (RP) e os intervalos de confiança de 95% foi utilizada a regressão de Poisson. Resultados: Para escolares com idade inferior a 14 anos, as variáveis que apresentaram associação com a aptidão cardiorrespiratória foram o sexo feminino (RP = 0,79, 0,68-0,91), sobrepeso (RP = 0,73, 0,61-0,89), percepção de atividade física igual às pessoas de mesma idade (RP = 1,26, 1,03-1,53), atividade física semanal de 3-6h (RP = 1,21, 1,05-1,38), participação nas aulas de educação física (RP = 1,35, 1,03-1,76) e comportamento sedentário ≥ 2h (RP = 0,82, 0,73-0,94). Com relação aos escolares com idade igual ou superior a 14 anos, o sexo feminino (RP = 0,35, 0,19-0,63), o sobrepeso (RP = 0,25, 0,09-0,66), praticar esportes algumas vezes (RP = 1,96, 1,00-3,81) e frequentemente (RP = 2,09, 1,01-4,31) apresentaram associação com a aptidão cardiorrespiratória. Conclusão: Programas de intervenção com o objetivo de aumentar o atendimento ao critério de saúde para aptidão cardiorrespiratória de escolares devem promover a prática de atividade física moderada a vigorosa, prática esportiva, participação nas aulas de educação física e redução do sobrepeso.

ABSTRACT Introduction: There is a high prevalence of youth that not meet the health criterion for cardiorespiratory fitness, which exposes them to risks related to metabolic, cardiovascular and mental health. Thus, it is relevant to investigate which aspects are associated with cardiorespiratory fitness in youth. Objective: To analyze the factors associated with cardiorespiratory fitness in school students. Methods: Cross-sectional study involving 736 students (50.1% female) with age between 10 and 18 years. The following has been analyzed: the socioeconomic condition, paternal education, number of siblings, physical activity perception, moderate to vigorous physical activity, participation in physical education classes, sport practice, place to practice, active transport and sedentary behavior. Height and body mass were measured and a cardiorespiratory fitness test was performed. Prevalence ratio (PR) and 95% confidence intervals were estimated using the Poisson regression. Results: For students aged less than 14 years, variables that presented association with cardiorespiratory fitness were female sex (PR = 0.79, 0.68-0.91), overweight (PR = 0.73, 0.61-0.89), physical activity perception equal to persons of the same age (PR = 1.26, 1.03-1.53), weekly physical activity 3-6h (PR = 1.21, 1.05-1.38), participation in physical education classes (PR = 1.35, 1.03-1.76), and sedentary behavior ≥ 2h (RP = 0.82, 0.73-0.94). With respect to students aged 14 years or more, female sex (PR = 0.35, 0.19-0.63), overweight (PR = 0.25, 0.09-0.66), practicing sports a few times (PR = 1.96, 1.00-3.81) and frequently (PR =2.09, 1.01-4.31) presented association with cardiorespiratory fitness. Conclusion: Intervention programs aiming at increasing health criterion requirement for cardiorespiratory fitness of students should promote moderate to vigorous physical activity, sport practice, participation in physical education classes and overweight reduction.

RESUMEN Introducción: Existe una alta prevalencia de jóvenes que no cumplen los criterios de salud para aptitud cardiorrespiratoria, que los expone a riesgos relacionados con la salud metabólica, cardiovascular y mental. De este modo, es importante investigar qué aspectos están asociados con la aptitud cardiorrespiratoria de los jóvenes. Objetivo: Analizar los factores relacionados con la aptitud cardiorrespiratoria en escolares. Métodos: Estudio transversal que implica 736 escolares (50,1% mujeres) de 10 a 18 años de edad. Fueron analizados el nivel socioeconómico, escolaridad paterna, número de hermanos, percepción de la actividad física, actividad física moderada a vigorosa, participación en las clases de educación física, práctica deportiva, lugar para práctica, transporte activo y el comportamiento sedentario. Fueron tomadas las medidas de talla, masa corporal y llevado a cabo una prueba de aptitud cardiorrespiratoria. Para estimar la razón de prevalencia (RP) y los intervalos de confianza de 95% se utilizó la regresión de Poisson. Resultados: En los escolares menores de 14 años, las variables que se asociaron con la aptitud cardiorrespiratoria fueron el sexo femenino (RP = 0,79, 0,68 a 0,91), exceso de peso (RP = 0,73, 0,61-0,89), percepción de actividad física igual a las personas de la misma edad (RP = 1,26, 1,03-1.53), actividad física semanal 3-6h (RP = 1,21, 1,05-1,38), participación en las clases de educación física (RP = 1,35, 1,03-1,76) y el comportamiento sedentario ≥ 2h (RP = 0,82, 0,73-0,94). Con respecto a los escolares mayores de 14 años, el sexo femenino (RP = 0,35, 0,19-0,63), exceso de peso (RP = 0,25, 0,09-0,66), práctica de deportes algunas veces (RP = 1,96, 1,00-3,81) y frecuentemente (RP = 2,09, 1,01-4,31) se asociaron con la aptitud cardiorrespiratoria. Conclusión: Los programas de intervención con el propósito de aumentar el cumplimiento de los criterios de salud para la aptitud cardiorrespiratoria en escolares deben promover la práctica de actividad física moderada a vigorosa, práctica deportiva, participación en las clases de educación física y la reducción del exceso de peso.

Frecuencia de factores de riesgo asociados a enfermedades cardiovasculares en población universitaria joven / The frequency of cardiovascular disease-associated risk factors in a university student population

Objetivo Estimar la frecuencia de factores de riesgo asociados a enfermedades cardiovasculares en población universitaria joven en Cartagena, Bolívar. Métodos Estudio de corte transversal para establecer la magnitud de sobrepeso, obesidad, dislipidemia, inactividad física y consumo de tabaco en 301 estudiantes de una Universidad de la ciudad de Cartagena. El muestreo fue aleatorio simple sin reemplazo. El Cuestionario Internacional de Actividad Física (IPAQ), formato corto; se realizó la determinación de Colesterol total, Triglicéridos, Colesterol HDL y Colesterol LDL. Para determinar las asociaciones entre los factores de riesgo cardiovascular y el género se usó las pruebas X2 y T. Resultados El 34,2 por ciento de los estudiantes encuestados presentaron alteración del índice de Masa corporal. El 64,1 por ciento registraron inactividad física y 23,9 por ciento de los estudiantes encuestados fuma. El lípido que presentó mayor prevalencia de niveles alterados fue el triglicérido (24,6 por ciento). Se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significantes en los análisis por género, niveles de actividad física, consumo de tabaco y niveles del colesterol HDL y de triglicéridos (p<0,05). Conclusiones Los factores de riesgo para enfermedad cardiovasculares analizados en la población joven de este estudio muestran patrones similares a los de la región en donde existe evidencia de transición epidemiológica y demográfica. Estos hallazgos sugieren la necesidad de implementar modelos de promoción y prevención oportunos que permitan reducir la carga de enfermedad y muerte asociadas con enfermedades crónica.

Objective Estimating the frequency of cardiovascular disease-associated risk factors in a university student population in Cartagena, Bolívar. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted to establish the frequency of being overweight, obesity, dyslipidaemia, physical inactivity and smoking habits in 301 students from the University of Cartagena. Simple random sampling was carried out without replacement. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire-short form (IPAQ-sf) was applied in addition to lab tests for evaluating total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL and LDL cholesterol. The main analysis was carried out for establishing the possible risk factors associated with heart diseases; a 0.05 statistical significance level was used. Results 34.2 percent of the students in the survey had alterations regarding their body mass index. 64.1 percent of the sample population were physically inactive and 23.9 percent stated that they smoked. Triglycerides had the highest lipid prevalence (24.6 percent). Statistically significant differences were found regarding gender, recorded statistically significant differences when were related to physical activity levels, smoking and HDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels (p<0.05). Conclusions Cardiovascular risk factors in this student population revealed similar patterns to those found in the Caribbean region which have shown epidemiological and demographic transition, as reported by national and local health services. These findings thus strongly suggest the need for implementing opportune health promotion and prevention models for reducing the burden of non-communicable disease and chronic disease-associated death.