Lifestyle and risk factors associated to body fat increase in women

The objectives were to describe the association between body mass index (BMI, kg/m²), body composition and risk factors to metabolic diseases; observe the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and list the characteristics of overweight and obese women. Voluntaries (n=50; BMI=31±6; age=36±11 years old), were evaluated regarding clinical examination, anthropometrics measurements, samples of blood and urine, resting energy expenditure and food register. Phases in which they become obese in descending order: adulthood, pregnancy, adolescence, over 40 years old and after marriage. The odds to have one or more obese family members were 316%. They were anxious (60%), depressives (12%), compulsives (34%) and had sleep disturbance (32%). The odds to dyslipidemia was 28%, to hypertension was 25% and to glucose over 100 mg/dL 35%. They were in caloric deficit, but, nitrogen balance was positive. The metabolic syndrome was present in 25% of these women and was positively correlated with body fat indicators and age. The obesity of these women seems to be multifactorial with a family influence that could be caused by genetics and environment contributions. The emotional/physical balance should be influenced on this process.Os objetivos eram descrever a associação entre índice de massa corporal (IMC, kg/m²), porcentagem de gordura e fatores de risco para doenças metabólicas; observar a prevalência da síndrome metabólica e relacionar às características de mulheres com sobrepeso e obesas. As voluntárias (n=50; IMC=31±6; idade=36±11 anos) eram avaliadas quanto ao exame clínico, medidas antropométricas, coletas de sangue e urina, gasto energético de repouso e registro alimentar. Fases em que se tornaram obesas em ordem decrescente: idade adulta, gravidez, adolescência, depois dos 40 anos e depois do casamento. O odds de ter um ou mais familiares obesos era de 316%. Eram ansiosas (60%), depressivas (12%), compulsivas (34%) e com distúrbios do sono (32%). O odds para dislipidemia era 28%, hipertensão, 25% e para glicemia acima de 100 mg/dL era de 35%. Elas estavam em déficit calórico, mas o balanço nitrogenado era positivo. A síndrome metabólica era presente em 25% delas e estava positivamente correlacionada a indicadores da gordura corporal e idade. A obesidade destas mulheres era multifatorial com influência familiar, podendo ter contribuições genéticas e ambientais. O equilíbrio físico/emocional parece ter influenciado neste processo