Obesity and physical activity in ostomized patients

ABSTRACT

Introduction: The relationship between obesity and physical activity is still unknown in specific groups, such as people living with ostomies. Objective: To assess the prevalence of obesity and the level of physical activity in ostomized individuals. Methods: A cross-sectional study with a population of ostomized patients in two hospitals of a Brazilian city. Obesity was assessed by the Body Mass Index (BMI) and physical activity, by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Results: The study included 148 patients (55.4% of men [82]), with a mean age of 58.5 (±17.8) years, with 56.1% (83) of the sample aged 60 or older. Colostomies were identified as definitive in 67.6% (100), there were 28 cases (18.9%) of obesity, 67 (45.3%) overweight patients, and 31 (20.9%) subjects were underweight. Sedentary lifestyle was identified in 40.5% (60) of the participants. The mean BMI was significantly higher in men (25.9 ± 5.1), and a higher proportion of men were overweight (28; 34.1%); the underweight group had a greater proportion of women (20; 30.3%). An association between physical inactivity and underweight (p = 0.003) was found. Conclusion: Most patients with ostomies, especially colostomies, are men over 60 years of age who are overweight or obese. In general, underweight individuals are more sedentary. (AU)