Actividad física y su relación con el índice de masa corporal en los trabajadores administrativos de una empresa en Cuenca-Ecuador en el periodo Marzo-Noviembre del año 2023

Abstract

Background: Most administrative workers remain seated for at least eight hours a day and have minimal levels of physical activity (PA), which impacts health and the prevention of chronic diseases. Objective: To determine the level of physical activity and its relationship with Body Mass Index (BMI) among workers in a company in Cuenca, Ecuador. Methods: A descriptive-analytical cross-sectional cohort study was conducted with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Administrative workers were evaluated using the short version of the IPAQ questionnaire, a sociodemographic questionnaire, and anthropometric measurements (sex, age, height, weight). Data were processed using descriptive and inferential analyses with Chi2, T-student, and Pearson tests in Epi-Info. Results: A total of 50 participants were analyzed, 58% men and 42% women, with predominant ages between 18-44 years (80%). Among them, 62% were married. Of the participants, 32% were of normal weight, while 68% were overweight or obese. Low PA levels were found in 66% of participants, being more common among women, whereas 34% reported moderate PA levels, mostly among men. Conclusions: Overweight and obesity are predominant among administrative workers, with the majority exhibiting low PA levels. No statistically significant association was found between PA and BMI. Most participants with normal weight engaged in low PA, while those who were overweight or obese also had low PA levels. The majority of workers remained seated for 4-6 hours a day.