Prevalence of overweight/obesity and its association with diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia and metabolic syndrome: a cross-sectional study of a sample of workers in Aragon, Spain

Objectives: to estimate the prevalence of overweight and obesity in a sample of workers in Aragon (Spain) and to assess its associations with diabetes, dyslipidemia, hypertension and metabolic syndrome. Methods: cross-sectional study of a sample of 23,729 workers. Data from routine medical check-ups (physical examination, blood analysis and structured questionnaire) practiced by MAS Sociedad de Prevencion were used. Results: prevalence of overweight and obesity was 38.6% and 18.4%, respectively (higher in males). Prevalence of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, dyslipidemia and metabolic syndrome was 7.6%, 20.1%, 31.3% and 7.5%, respectively. There was a significant association between overweight and obesity and prevalence of diabetes, dyslipidemia, hypertension and metabolic syndrome. Conclusions: states of overweight and obesity are common in the working population and are related to a significant increase in the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors. It is necessary to promote strategies for prevention and management of body weight in the working population.