Prevalence of overweight, obesity and central obesity and factors associated with BMI in indigenous yaqui people: a probabilistic cross-sectional survey

Abstract

Background The Yaquis are an Indigenous group who inhabit in the state of Sonora in northwestern Mexico. This group has experienced changes in their lifestyle, moving from a traditional lifestyle to a more modern one, resulting in an increase of obesity and its comorbidities. However, few studies have been done in this group. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of overweight, obesity and central obesity and to identify the factors associated with body mass index (BMI) in a representative sample of Indigenous Yaqui people from Sonora, Mexico. Methods A cross-sectional survey with multistage sampling was conducted among adults (N = 351) with residence in Yaqui traditional villages (Vícam, Pótam, Loma de Guamúchil, Loma de Bácum, Tórim, Ráhum, Huiribis or Belem). Anthropometric measurements were taken to diagnose overweight, obesity and central obesity. Food frequency and physical activity (PA) questionnaires designed for the Yaqui population were applied, as well as sociodemographic and clinical history questionnaires. The factors associated with BMI were assessed using multiple linear regression considering the complex design of the sampling. Results The prevalence of overweight, obesity and central obesity in the population were 36.5%, 35.0% and 76.0%, respectively. Having higher values of the modernization index (β = 0.20, p = 0.049) was associated with a higher BMI, while having a higher consumption of a “prudent” dietary pattern (traditional dishes, fruits, vegetables and low-fat dairy) (β = -0.58, p = 0.009) and performing a greater number of hours per week of vigorous PA (β = -0.14, p = 0.017) were associated with a lower BMI. Conclusions The prevalence of the studied abnormalities is high. The evidence presented in this study suggests that interventions are needed and more research is required to determine the appropriate components of such interventions, in order to meet the needs of the Yaqui people.

Diagnóstico del estado nutricional, dislipidemia y factores de riesgo asociados en escolares indígenas yaquis

“…11 Asimismo, en la etnia yaqui se ha evidenciado el proceso de adquisición y asimilación de características de otra cultura (aculturación), 12 con las consecuentes modificaciones en su estilo de vida, cambios en su alimentación al adoptar un estilo de vida occidental, con el paso de una ingesta basada en legumbres y cereales al consumo elevado de alimentos procesados densos en energía. 13,14 Estos cambios han provocado alteraciones en el estado nutricional de la población, la cual ha desarrollado obesidad y, posteriormente, problemas de salud como enfermedades crónicas no transmisibles. 15 Un estudio probabilístico realizado recientemente en adultos de este grupo ha revelado graves problemas de salud: 71.5 % tiene sobrepeso/obesidad, 21.3 % padece hipertensión arterial 13 y 10.5 % cuenta con diagnóstico previo de diabetes.…”

Diagnosis of nutritional status, dyslipidemia and associated risk factors in indigenous Yaqui schoolchildren

“…11 Moreover, in the Yaqui ethnic group, the process of acquiring and assimilating characteristics of another culture (acculturation) has been demonstrated, 12 with consequent modifications of their lifestyle, changes in their diet when adopting a Western lifestyle, with a shift from an intake based on legumes and grain products to a high consumption of energy-dense processed foods. 13,14 These changes have caused alterations in the population nutritional status, who have developed obesity and, subsequently, health problems such as chronic non-communicable diseases. 15 A probabilistic study carried out recently in adults from this group has revealed serious health problems: 71.5% were found to have overweight/obesity; 21.3%, to suffer from high blood pressure; 13 and 10.5%, to have a previous diagnosis of diabetes.…”

“…13,14 These changes have caused alterations in the population nutritional status, who have developed obesity and, subsequently, health problems such as chronic non-communicable diseases. 15 A probabilistic study carried out recently in adults from this group has revealed serious health problems: 71.5% were found to have overweight/obesity; 21.3%, to suffer from high blood pressure; 13 and 10.5%, to have a previous diagnosis of diabetes. 16 As for physical activity, productive activities with higher physical demand have been replaced by others of lower intensity, and the practice of sedentary activities has increased.…”

Determinación de grados Brix en bebidas no alcohólicas de elaboración artesanal como factor de riesgo obesogénico

“…Centrándonos en Sonora, México, la prevalencia combinada de sobrepeso y obesidad en adultos indígenas Yaquis fue del 71.5%, con un 35% de la población clasificada como obesa (Serna-Gutiérrez et al, 2022). Estos datos subrayan la necesidad urgente de abordar la obesidad no solo como un desafío de salud pública, sino también como una crisis social y económica que requiere una respuesta integral y multisectorial.…”