[General and abdominal obesity among the elderly from Southern Brazil: results of the HOW ARE YOU DOING? (COMO VAI?) study].

This is a cross-sectional population-based study aimed to measure the prevalence and to identify associated factors with the occurrence of general and abdominal obesity among the elderly living in the urban area of Pelotas, State of Rio Grande do Sul. The process of cluster sampling was conducted in two stages. Overall obesity was defined by Body Mass Index (BMI) from measurements of weight and height estimated by knee height. Obesity was considered when BMI was ≥ 30 kg/m2. Abdominal obesity was evaluated by waist circumference, being considered obese when it was > 102 cm for men and > 88 cm for women. The crude and adjusted analyses were performed using Poisson regression. The prevalence of obesity was 29.9% (CI95%: 27.5-32.4) and abdominal obesity, 50.4% (CI95%: 47.8-53.1). After adjustment, the prevalence of both outcomes were higher in women, non-smokers, hypertensives and diabetics and lower in the physically active in their leisure time. Age was inversely associated with general and abdominal obesity. Reducing obesity in this population depends on the planning of health policies actively encourage physical activity, keeping in mind the limitations and health conditions of the elderly.