P196 - INCREASED RISK OF OBESITY IN AFRO-DESCENDANT WOMEN LIVING IN VERA CRUZ, BAHIA (BRAZIL): DATA FROM THE NUTRITION AND WOMEN’S HEALTH STUDY

P196

INCREASED RISK OF OBESITY IN AFRO-DESCENDANT WOMEN LIVING IN VERA CRUZ, BAHIA (BRAZIL): DATA FROM THE NUTRITION AND WOMEN’S HEALTH STUDY

L. H. D. Barrachi¹, M. L. G. Santos¹, M. F. B. Tohmé¹, F. L. Hochman¹, A. M. Lottenberg^2,3,4,*, M. S. F. Lavrador^1,5, E. D. Carli^1,6, H. Hachul¹, R. M. Machado^1,5

¹Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, ²Laboratorio de Lipides (LIM-10), Hospital das Clínicas (HCFMUSP) da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo), ³São Paulo, Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, ⁴Nutrigenomics and Lipids Research Center – CELN – University of Campinas – UNICAMP, Sao Paulo, ⁵Nutrigenomics and Lipids Research Center – CELN – University of Campinas – UNICAMP, São Paulo, ⁶Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health, University of São Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil

Rationale: Vera Cruz (Bahia, Brazil) presents insufficient coverage of primary care, resulting in high prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCD) such as hypertension and diabetes. The lack of health studies focusing on women population hampers a comprehensive analysis necessary for targeted interventions. Objective: Characterize female population to understand specific health demands to guide interventions and health policies.

Methods: Preliminary analysis of the "Nutrition and Women's Health" study (cross-sectional study conducted between 14-21/Dec/2024) was performed. Sociodemographic and anthropometric data (BMI and waist circumference (WC), n=217; body composition (Inbody120), n=52) were collected. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed.

Results: Most participants self-identified as black (56.6%) or brown (35.6) and 44% did not complete basic education. The prevalence of excess weight (BMI >25 kg/m²) was 80%, with 44% of the population classified as obese (BMI average: 29,7±6.6); 87% presented WC greater than 80 cm (97±16cm), and 75.12% were above 88 cm (103±12.6cm), indicating that even eutrophic women had increased WC, a marker for higher cardiometabolic risk. Increased body fat mass (>30%) was found in 81% of the population (average: 42%±6.28). 

Conclusion:  The prevalence of excess weight (80%) and obesity (44%) in Vera Cruz exceeds the Brazilian national average of 68% and 31% respectively. The study emphasizes the increased risk of obesity among vulnerable populations, particularly Afro-descendant women with low educational levels residing in low-income areas. This underscores the critical need to map these at-risk groups in order to implement targeted interventions to reduce the development of NCDs. Certificate of Presentation for Ethical Consideration # 84080824.5.0000.0071

Disclosure of Interest: None declared