Indicators of Dietary Behavior and Physical Activity Change Associated with Metabolic Control of Obesity, Hypertension, and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Mexican Adults: National Nutrition and Health Survey in Mexico, 2016

Introduction: Obesity (OB), type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D), and hypertension (HTN) are health issues in Mexico linked to unhealthy behaviors. This study investigates the relationship between behavior change indicators and metabolic control in Mexican adults with OB, T2D, and HTN.Methods: We used data from the 2016 National Health and Nutrition Survey Midway (ENSANUT MC-2016), representing similar to 59.5 million Mexican adults aged 20-59 with these conditions. We assessed behavior change indicators, including stages of change, self-efficacy, and perceptions of benefits and barriers. In addition, we conducted descriptive analyses and used statistical tests, such as Pearson's chi-squared test and logistic regression models, adjusted for multiple variables.Results: We found that adults in the action and maintenance stages of physical activity (PA) were four times more likely to have adequate HTN control than those in the precontemplation stage. Self-efficacy for PA was related to better control in T2D and HTN. Self-efficacy for reducing the consumption of sugary beverages was positively associated with control in OB and T2D. No significant association was observed with self-efficacy for consuming fruits and vegetables.Conclusion: Behavior-change indicators are significantly linked to metabolic control in adults with HTN. These results support the importance of these indicators in managing chronic diseases such as HTN and their potential use in public health strategies.