Overweight and obesity in Greek warship personnel: prevalence and correlations

To estimate the prevalence of obesity among the personnel of a Greek warship and to highlight the potential relationship of the body-mass index (BMI).

Data on behavioural and demographic characteristics, among 274 men of a Greek warship, aged between 19 and 38 years, were analysed.

26.5% of participants were overweight and 4.7% obese. BMI was correlated with age, and cigarette pack-years, and inverse correlated with the aerobic exercise. No significant associations were found between BMI and alcohol consumption.

A relatively high proportion of obesity was found in a Greek military population. Intervention and prevention measures should be targeted at the promotion of physical activity and the reduction of the smoking behaviour of personnel.