Cardiovascular risk factors related to overweight and obesity in Ecuadorian administrative police personnel

Abstract

Introduction: unhealthy lifestyle practices, lack of physical activity and poor nutritional habits contribute to rates of overweight and obesity that have increased disproportionately and currently constitute a serious public health problem. Objective: to identify cardiovascular risk factors and their relationship with metabolic alterations in the administrative staff of the police command of the Carchi No. 04 subzone, Ecuador. Method: a qualitative, quantitative, descriptive and field study was carried out with inductive, deductive, analytical and systemic methods put into practice. A survey applied to 24 subjects was used as the study method. A probabilistic sample was used. Results: 75% of the police command staff reported that the main cause of obesity is the high consumption of junk food. 80% had no family history of obesity and overweight. Only 60% check themselves annually and 10% said they never do. 45% considered their diet to be moderately healthy, 49% said they consumed saturated fats for 3 to 4 days, while 60% consumed sugary drinks every day. There was little weekly consumption of fruits and vegetables (40%) and 45% consumed processed foods (fried and sausages) twice a week. There was no daily physical activity in 60% of the subjects and 45 stated they wanted to receive monthly training on healthy eating. Conclusions: the most frequent causes that influence obesity and overweight in this population were determined. The relationship between the genetic findings and the inadequate lifestyles of the administrative personnel we have studied is evident. An intervention plan is proposed to promote healthy habits and lifestyles.