Prevalence and correlates of overweight and abdominal adiposity amongst adults residing in Madeira Autonomous Region: a cross-sectional, population-based study

BACKGROUND: Data on nutritional status and its risk factors amongst the adult population of the Madeira Autonomous Region (RAM) is scarce. This study aims to investigate the prevalence of, and risk factors associated with overweight and abdominal adiposity, assessed through measuring body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) indexes. METHODS: Cross-sectional study using a representative sample of 911 subjects (18–64 years) from the RAM Dietary Habits of Adult Population Study. Logistic regression models were conducted to investigate the association between body mass index, WC, and WHtR indexes, with sociodemographic and lifestyle characteristics. RESULTS: The prevalence of overweight amongst adults was 60.0% [95% confidence interval (CI): 56.8–63.2]. The prevalence of abdominal adiposity, assessed by WC and WHtR indexes, was 62.6% (95% CI: 59.4–65.7) and 71.9% (95% CI: 69.0–74.8), respectively. In adjusted models, age and self-reported chronic diseases were associated with both overweight and abdominal adiposity. Women were less likely to be overweight [odds ratio (OR) = 0.7 (95% CI: 0.5–0.9); P = .012] but more likely to have increased WC [OR = 2.9 (95% CI: 2.1–4.0); P < .001], compared to men. Being married was positively associated to being overweight [OR = 1.5 (95% CI: 1.1–2.1); P = .013] and increased WC [OR = 1.8 (95% CI: 1.3–2.6); P < .001], but not with WHtR index. Education level was only associated with WHtR index. Inverse associations were found for each abdominal obesity indicators and smoking status. CONCLUSIONS: Overweight and abdominal adiposity should be considered 2 major public health problems, amongst adult population of the RAM. Older less educated adults, with smoking habits may be considered a target group for health promotion interventions.