ABSTRACT
Background: Lifestyles and a poor nutritional status are two factors iníluencing the high prevalence of non communicable chronic diseases among Chilean workers. Aim: To characterize lifestyles and nutritional status of workers from the public and prívate sector, residing in the Fifth and in the Metropolitan regions of Chile. Material and methods: Nutritional status, blood pressure, cholesterol, glycemia, previous medical history, feeding habits and smoking status were assessed in 1,036 women and 709 men aged 38+11 years. Results: Feeding habits were characterized by a low consumption of fruits, vegetables, fish and dairy products and a high consumption offat and sugar Forty five percent smoked and 88 percent were sedentary. Forty two percent were overweight, 18 percent were obese, 39 percent had high blood cholesterol, 23 percent hypertension and 4 percent diabetes. There was a positive relationship between obesity and hypertension with an odds ratio (OR) adjusted for sex and educationallevéis of 2.6 (95 percent confidence intervals (Cl) 1.9-3.7) and diabetes with an OR of 2.8 (95 percent CI 1.6-4.7). Eighty two percent of obese and 28 percent of overweight subjects underestimated their nutritional status. Conclusions: A high prevalence of overweight and inadequate lifestyles was found in this population. There was a low self perception of obesity and lack of knowledge about risk factors for chronic diseases.