[Body composition and physical activity in resident physicians]

Mexico is ranked second in obesity in adults worldwide and resident physicians are not exempt from this problem. Inadequate diet and physical inactivity are associated factors. Bioimpedance has greater precision than anthropometry.

To analyze the difference between degree of physical activity, caloric intake and body composition in Internal Medicine residents according to their degree of residence.

Cross-sectional study. Resident physicians of both sexes, from second, third and fourth degree of training were included; they were fasting. Vital signs were taken; a Rapid Assessment of Physical Activity (RAPA) questionnaire, anthropometry, a 24-hour reminder, and bioelectrical impedance analysis were administered. Descriptive statistics, Kruskal-Wallis and chi squared tests were used.

84 resident physicians were included, 48 were male. The median age was of 27 years (26-28). There was a prevalence of 46.4% of overweight and obesity, despite the hypocaloric diet in 89%. Bioelectrical impedance analysis showed that 72.6% of residents had elevated body fat, 71% sub-optimal degree of physical activity and 23.7% arterial hypertension.

A high prevalence of overweight and obesity was found with differences in body composition and suboptimal level of physical activity. It is important to correct bad eating habits and improve physical activity to reduce risks in this population.