# Excess Weight Among Adults Living in the Coastal Brazilian Amazon: Prevalence, Determinants, and Interventions

## TL;DR

This study found that over 60% of adults in a coastal area of the Brazilian Amazon have excess weight, linked to unhealthy behaviors and chronic diseases.

## Contribution

The study provides new insights into the prevalence and determinants of excess weight in a specific coastal Amazon region.

## Key findings

- The prevalence of excess weight among adults was 63.3%.
- Avoiding raw salads and boiled eggs was associated with excess weight.
- Walking to work was a protective factor against excessive weight.

## Abstract

Excess weight is a global public health issue related to the accumulation of body fat and can be caused by various factors. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and associated factors of excess weight among adults living in a coastal area of the Brazilian Amazon. Methods. This cross‐sectional study included 407 adults residing in Bragança, Pará, northern Brazil. Socioeconomic, demographic, behavioral, and morbidity data were analyzed using Poisson regression to identify potential associations with excess weight. The prevalence of excess weight was 63.3%. Behavioral factors directly associated with excess weight included avoiding raw salads and boiled eggs. The outcome was associated with factors related to morbidity, such as hypertension and diabetes mellitus. However, walking to work was found to be a protective factor against excessive weight. The high prevalence of excess weight detected in this coastal Amazon region indicates a desire to prioritize this issue in local public health agendas. Implementing individual and community‐based interventions can help reduce health risks and improve the population's quality of life.