Obesity and lack of nutrition knowledge in Mexico urban areas (810.28)

Abstract

Objective: To estimate the overweight (OW) and obesity (OB) prevalence in Mexican urban areas population and its relationship with nutrition knowledge levels.Methods: The present is a cross‐sectional, probabilistic and multi stage study, representative at Mexican urban population level, data was obtained from “Food consumption in Mexican population” study. OW and OB prevalence was estimated using the Body Mass Index according to WHO cutoff points. Population was categorized as follow: familiar feeding responsible (mothers of 14 years or younger individuals), teenagers (15‐19 y) and adults (20‐79 y). Percentages of the population with correct, basic and unclear nutrition knowledge were estimated, the topics were the body functions of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, iron and calcium.Results: Prevalence of OW + OB was 3.8%, 42% and 69% for individuals younger than 5, from 5 to 19 and 20 to 79 years old respectively. More than 65% of the population mentioned to know the food groups. 33% of the familiar feeding responsible ignored the fats and protein functions. For overall groups the fiber functions remain unclear. Regarding the vitamins and its functions there was basic or unclear knowledge; however about the calcium more than 90% of the individuals have a correct knowledge about its functions. More than 40% of the teenagers reported to ignore the iron functions in the body.Conclusions: Results shows high OW and OB prevalence and deficient knowledge about nutrition topics. This could be a limiting factor for the population in order to identify healthy feeding options and therefore its consumption.Grant Funding Source: Supported by Nestlé México