Excess Body Weight and Physical Activity among Healthcare Workers: An Observational Study in the Primary Healthcare

This study aimed to evaluate the association between Excess Body Eeight (EBW) and the level of Physical Activity (PA) among healthcare workers.

A quantitative observational study was conducted in Callao, Peru. The sample consisted of 333 primary healthcare workers. The PA level was measured using the IPAQ, and EBW was assessed based on the Body Mass Index (BMI).

Of the sample, 69.1% (n=230) presented excess body weight, and 42.3% (n=141) presented insufficient levels of PA. Healthcare workers with EBW had an increased risk of hyperglycemia (OR = 2.8, 95% CI: 1.43–5.46) and diabetes (OR = 4.98, 95% CI: 3.03–8.2). On the other hand, healthcare workers with an insufficient PA had an increased risk of non-compliance in participating in short PA sessions (OR = 2.8, 95% CI: 1.7–4.8), less frequent consumption of fruits and vegetables (OR = 1.6, 95% CI: 1.03–2.5), high blood pressure (OR = 3.7, 95% CI: 1.3–10.9), hyperglycemia (OR = 3.2, 95% CI: 1.9–5.6), and diabetes (OR = 2.4, 95% CI: 1.5–3.9). No significant association was found between EBW and PA (p=0.068, OR=1.56, 95% CI: 0.97–2.52). The regression model explained 13% of the variability in body weight (F = 12.21, p < 0.001). Sex had the highest standardized coefficient (β = 0.35, p < 0.001).

Approximately seven out of ten healthcare workers had EBW, and four out of ten had insufficient PA. EBW was associated with an increased risk of hyperglycemia and diabetes, while insufficient PA was related to multiple risk factors, including high blood pressure, hyperglycemia, diabetes, lower fruit and vegetable consumption, and low adherence to short PA sessions. Male sex was the most relevant predictor of body weight, although its effect was moderate. These findings highlight the need to promote and reinforce healthy lifestyles among healthcare workers.