The lifestyle of obese adult women from the city of Cruz Alta-RS

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to analyze the lifestyle of obese women from the city of Cruz Alta. The sample was intentional and composed by 40 women in the average age between 35 and 59 years old, body mass index higher or equal to 30 kg/m². As a research instrument, a mixed and self-applied questionnaire was used, which was composed by 3 parts: a) social and economic index (ANEP, 1997), b) alimentary practices, c) physical activity habits. The statistic selected was descriptive which allowed a posterior interpretative analysis. Most part of the responders were married and had the domestic duties as the principal daily activity. They belonged to C and B classes and most of them studied until the elementary school. Their nutrition habit showed they made at least 3 meals during the day, where lunch was the main meal. Cow’s meat was the most consumed protein and they also ate fruits daily, raw foods and, on the weekends, they used to consume sweet. Most of them stated not to practice regular physical activities because of lack of time and motivation. The ones who confirmed to exercise regularly chose walking as the best exercise. The results indicated that their lifestyle can become better, if they reevaluate nutrition and physical activities habits.