[Nutritional status and lifestyles of workers from two regions in Chile]

Lifestyles and a poor nutritional status are two factors influencing the high prevalence of non communicable chronic diseases among Chilean workers.

To characterize lifestyles and nutritional status of workers from the public and private sector, residing in the Fifth and in the Metopolitan regions of Chile.

Nutritional status, blood pressure, cholesterol, glyeemia, previous medical history, feeding habits and smoking status were assessed in 1036 women and 709 men aged 38 +/- 11 years.

Feeding habits were characterized by a low consumption of fruits, vegetables, fish and dairy products and a high consumption of fat and sugar. Forty five percent smoked and 88% were sedentary. Forty two percent were overweight, 18% were obese, 39% had high blood cholesterol, 23% hypertension and 4% diabetes. There was a positive relationship between obesity and hypertension with an odds ratio (OR) adjusted for sex and educational levels of 2.6 (95% confidence intervals (CT) 1.9-3.7) and diabetes with an OR of 2.8 (95% CI 1.6-4.7). Eighty two percent of obese and 28% of overweight subjects underestimated their nutritional status.

A high prevalence of overweight and inadequate lifestyles was found in this population. There was a low self perception of obesity and lack of knowledge about risk factors for chronic diseases.