Medical exams are required for boarding, including the register of patient´s weight and height are always done. The Body Mass Index (BMI) is defined as the patients weight (Kg) divided by the square of the height (m). This index is more useful than the crude weight for defining obesity, because it allows comparisons between different biotypes. Obese are more prone to become sick and to have medical complications while sick. Diseases related to obesity include hypertension, diabetes mellitus and joint diseases, among others. The prevalence of obesity keeps growing worldwide, in spite of many efforts (education campaigns, nutritional advise, incentives to the practice of physical activity). The purpose of this study was to verify the percentage of obese seafarers among those with BMI above the normal range annually, over a period of 6 years (from 2003 until 2008). Data was obtained from the company´s database. The research parameters were: (1) being a seafarer (all categories) and BMI > 25; (2) being a seafarer (all categories) and a BMI > 30. The proportion of patients with BMI > 30 between those with BMI > 25 was calculated (simple division). Results: For 2003: 205 (BMI>25), 56 (BMI>30), 27% BMI>30 among BMI>25 For 2004: 398, 122 and 30% For 2005: 481, 152 and 31% For 2006: 497, 167 and 33% For 2007: 565, 198 and 35% For 2008 The data shows a temporal increase in the total number of both overweight patients and obese patients, and also in the percentage of patients with BMI > 30 among those with BMI > 25. Given that a seafarer has an abnormal BMI, he is more likely to be obese nowadays than he was in the previous year. Possible explanations are the ageing of the crews or a reduction in physical demands onboard due to automation; but perhaps the obesity in seafarers is part of a larger social phenomenon of growing obesity. These data are provocative, and could help defining priorities and planning future health actions. 2 SPE 127206
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