Efecto de la actividad física sobre el sobrepeso y obesidad de la población adulta en el Perú

Introduction: Overweight and obesity represent a growing public health problem in Peru, with significant consequences for both individual and collective health. Various individual factors, such as physical activity, age, and sex, influence the likelihood of developing excess weight in the adult population. Objectives: To analyze the effect of physical activity on the probability of being overweight or obese among Peruvian adults, using nationally representative data. Methodology: A probit regression model was used to estimate the adjusted probability of excess weight based on individual characteristics. Data were obtained from the National Nutrition and Health Survey (2017–2018), which includes sociodemographic, anthropometric, and lifestyle information from Peruvian adults. Results: Vigorous physical activity was negatively and significantly associated with excess weight: individuals who engaged in this type of activity had a 7.4 percentage point lower probability of being overweight or obese. Age showed a positive and non-linear relationship with excess weight, following an inverted U-shaped curve. Additionally, men had an 8.3 percentage point lower probability of being overweight or obese compared to women. Discussion: These findings are consistent with previous research identifying physical activity as a protective factor. They also highlight significant differences by sex and age, which should be considered in public health interventions. Conclusions: Promoting vigorous physical activity, especially among women and young adults, is essential to prevent overweight and obesity in the Peruvian adult population.