Hacia la Promoción de la Salud · Oct 8, 2026
Multidimensional factors associated with excess weight in middle-aged women in Argentina
By Farinola MG, Areces GS, Tuñón I
INTRODUCTION: The menopausal transition, which usually occurs around age 50, involves physiological and hormonal changes in addition to those of aging that may promote the redistribution of body fat and weight gain in women. OBJECTIVE: To identify the multidimensional factors associated with excess body weight as evidenced by body mass index in Argentine women aged 45 to 55 years. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A descriptive and correlational cross-sectional design was used, based on secondary data from Argentina's 4th National Risk Factor Survey, which used nationwide probability sampling. The sample consisted of women aged 45 to 55 years who participated in this survey (n = 2828). Sociodemographic, economic, and health variables, physical activity habits, and perceptions of diet were included in the analysis. RESULTS: Bivariate analysis showed a significant association between excess weight and all variables analyzed (p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis indicated that the association remained significant for those who receive government financial assistance (p = 0.047), have larger households (p = 0.016), perceive their diet as unhealthy (p = 0.009), engage in less physical activity (p = 0.008), and have a less favorable health profile. CONCLUSIONS: These results show that excess weight (overweight or obesity) in middle age is not only a consequence of the menopausal transition, but also of lifestyles and social inequalities that amplify the risks.