Physical activity as a protective factor against cardiovascular comorbidities in obese women

Resumo - The objective of this study was to analyze the protective effect of physical activity (PA) on cardiovascular comorbidities (CC) in obese women. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 387 obese women with a body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30 kg/m2. Logistic regression analysis was used to estimate odds ratios (OR) with a 95% confidence interval and to evaluate the association between PA and CC. Data were analyzed using the Stata 7.0 program. After adjustment for age, PA was associated with CC [OR = 0.11 (0.04-0.25)]. This association continued to be significant after stratification by ethnic origin, marital status and BMI. Analysis of the dose-response effect showed a more marked protective effect on CC for very active women. PA should be recommended for obese women in order to prevent CC.