Socio-demographic determinants of obesity in adults: findings from the IAN-AF survey in Portugal

Materials and methods: Public available data on socioeconomic determinants and anthropometric measurements was retrieved from the Portuguese National Food, Nutrition, and Physical Activity Survey (IAN-AF 2015–2016), a crosssectional study. A total of 4339 observations were included, through multistep sampling. Body mass index (BMI) has been used to assess obesity (BMI>30kg/m2). Sampling weights were used for a complex samples statistical analysis, to obtain population estimates. Bivariate analysis was performed, and associations with p<0,2 were included in the logistic regression model. Results: Sex, educational level, marital status, income, employment status, household dimension and age were associated with obesity (p<0,05). Marital status and household dimension were excluded from the multivariate analysis model (p<0,05). Female sex (OR=1.38, CI 95% 1.07-1.77), having completed less than middle school (OR=2.23, CI 95% 1.55-3.19) and each additional year of age (OR=1.03, CI 95% 1.02-1.04) were associated with higher odds of obesity. Conclusion: This study identifies socio-demographic characteristics that are determinants of obesity. Policies to promote heathier behaviors targeted to towards these populations groups are needed to better control the increasing prevalence of obesity-related morbidities and healthcare costs.