[Obesity and its relationship with cardiovascular risk factors in a Japanese-Brazilian population]

To describe associations of weight excess and abdominal obesity with cardiovascular risk factors in a Japanese-Brazilian population from Mombuca, Guatapará, SP.

Cross-sectional study with 131 individuals of Japanese ancestry (69.2% first and 30.8% second generation), aged 20 years or more, corresponding to 66.8% of the resident population from this age group. Data were collected through standardized questionnaires and laboratory and physical examinations were performed.

Prevalence of overweight and obesity was 29.6% and 46.3% in men and 25.6% and 39.0% in women, respectively. The prevalence of abdominal obesity was 55.6% in men and 20.8% in women. Body mass index was independently associated with triglycerides, waist circumference and age; systolic blood pressure with waist circumference.

Data from the present survey highlight the necessity of interventions to prevent obesity in the Japanese-Brazilian population from Mombuca.