[Prevalence of obesity and associated factors in elderly women]

To analyze the prevalence of obesity in elderly women and its association with socio-demographic, biochemical and hypertension variables.

By means of a cross sectional study, 188 outpatient women, 60 to 89 years-old were assessed. Obesity was defined by a BMI > 30 Kg/m2 (WHO, 1998). The parameters examined were age, education, marital status, fasting glycemia, total cholesterol, high and low density cholesterol lipoproteins, triglycerides and presence or absence of blood hypertension. Data analysis was performed by Pearson's Chi-square or Exact Test of Fisher and Multivariate Analysis of Logistic Regression, estimating the probability of obesity.

Among elderly women, 25.6% were obese. Obesity was present in the age ranges of 60 to 69 and 70 to 79 years, and positively associated (p = 0.050) to fasting glycemia > or = 126 mg/dL, with increased risk (Odds = 1.76) for elder diabetic, compared to non-diabetics women. The highest probability for obesity, around 18%, was observed in women younger than 70 years-old, triglycerides > or = 200 mg/dL, diabetic and hypertensive, emphasizing the role of associated morbidity.