Anthropometry in Tarahumara Indian women of reproductive age in northern Mexico: Is overweight becoming a problem?

Recent studies point to an increasing prevalence of obesity and its consequences among American Indians. This study was conducted to assess whether overweight may constitute a problem among adolescent and adult women in one of the most isolated ethnic groups in North America. A population‐based sample of 459 Tarahumara women was taken from Guachochi Municipality in northern Mexico. A BMI ≥ 30 kg/m² was found in 16.9% of women aged 25–49 years old. A BMI‐for‐age ≥ 85th percentile was found in 14.3% and 16.8% of women aged 12–17 and 18–24 years respectively. Very few women had a BMI < 18.5 while a normal BMI (18.5–24.9) was present in 50.3% of women living in communities with < 100 inhabitants but only 35.5% of those living in localities with ≥ 100 inhabitants. Literacy and bilingualism were positively associated with overweight. Overweight does appear to be a problem of increasing public health significance, particularly where "Mestizo” influence is likely to growing. Systematic efforts to prevent obesity are needed.

Key words:

• Anthropometry
• overweight
• obesity
• Tarahumara
• Indian
• woman
• Mexico

Notes

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