Sociodemographic and Clinical Factors Associated with Severe Obesity in Adults

In the last decades, obesity in general, including severe obesity (BMI ≥40 kg/m²), has increased disproportionately around the world, especially in low-income and lower-middle income regions.

To analyze sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of people with severe obesity in Mexico, as well as their associated factors.

A secondary analysis was carried out from the 2018-19 National Health and Nutrition Survey. Descriptive statistics and bivariate analyses by sex were used. Logistic models were estimated to identify the main factors associated with severe obesity.

Of the total number of people with obesity in the country (2.2 million people), 3.6% had severe obesity, with an average age of 48.2. There were statistically significant differences by sex in the variables of age group, education, socioeconomic status, health insurance, hypertension, myocardial infarction, and heart failure. Being a woman, having hypertension, and hypertension/diabetes increased the odds of severe obesity. These associations were maintained when comparing people with a BMI <40 kg/m², with those with a BMI ≥30 kg/m² and a BMI <40 kg/m².

Severe obesity must appear on the Mexican political agenda. Data must be produced that can direct decision-making around the promotion of healthy lifestyles, and obesity prevention, treatment, and follow-up, based in people-centered care and through intersectoral strategies, multidisciplinary management, and holistic approaches.