RESUMEN
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the frequency of overweight and obesity in health professionals, before and after a single specialized dietary recommendation. METHODS: Anthropometric measures of 579 workers of a general hospital in the city of São Paulo, Brazil were taken. The weight (f), height (h) and waist circunference (wc) were interpreted according to the WHO and NCEP ATP III guidelines. Nutrition specialist provided dietary and behavioral recommendations. The entire sample underwent a new evaluation one year later. RESULTS: At the first evaluation, 79 employees presente WC > or = 102 cm (male) or WC > or = 88 cm (female). The association between WC > or = 102 cm (men) or WC > or = 88 cm (women) and BMI > or = 30 kg/m2 was found in 12.8% (69 subjects). The BMI distribution per age group indicated that the increase in overweight and obesity was directly proportional to the age increase. Physical activities were not practiced by 75% of the subjects studied. A year later, the evaluation indicated lack of statistical differences regarding the BMI and waist circumference of the sample and only 2.8% started to practice a physical activity. CONCLUSION: Dietary recommendation alone failed to promote changes in the eating habits of health professionals who work at a general hospital or to encourage them to practice exercise.