Obesity is a public health problem that is increasing worldwide. Recently published data as part of one of the works included in the ANIBES Study shows that the prevalence of overweight and obesity in the Spanish adult population (18-65 years) is 35.8 % and 19.9 %, respectively.

The aim of the research General and Abdominal Obesity Is Related to Physical Activity, Smoking and Sleeping Behaviours and Mediated by the Educational Level: Findings from the ANIBES Study in Spain was to analyze the association of different socioeconomic and lifestyle factors, including physical activity, with the conditions of overweight, general and abdominal obesity in the Spanish adult population.

The results of this work within the ANIBES Study show that, in Spain, being male and aged more than 40 years was associated with an increased risk of overweight and general and abdominal obesity. On the other hand, a higher educational level and spending more than 150 min/week in vigorous-intensity physical activity were associated with a lower risk of overweight and general and abdominal obesity.

Sex and age remained statistically significant in all models studied. After adjusting for other variables, the only variables that were associated with a lower risk of overweight were a higher educational level and spending more than 150 min/week in any type of vigorous intensity physical activity. On the other hand, a higher level of education, spending more than 150 min/week in vigorous-intensity physical activity, smoking and sleeping more than 7 h/day were associated with a lower risk of general and abdominal obesity, while watching TV quite or very often was associated with increased risk of general and abdominal obesity.

Among its recommendations, this scientific research indicates that strategies for preventing and reducing general and abdominal obesity should consider improving sleeping habits and physical activity (increasing time in vigorous-intensity physical activity and decreasing time in very sedentary activities). In addition, it should also be considered the fact of addressing to the most vulnerable groups, such as those less educated.

Learn more about the study General and Abdominal Obesity Is Related to Physical Activity, Smoking and Sleeping Behaviours and Mediated by the Educational Level: Findings from the ANIBES Study in Spain