Obesity in Latin America:

Levels of overweight and obesity across developing countries have approached levels found in developed countries. In this study, the independent effects of income and education on the risk of obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2) are evaluated though linear and logistic regression analyses. Data collected from the National Survey of Households (ENAHO) taken place in the urban and rural areas of Peru from the year 2009 to 2010 is used. The risk of obesity is higher in urban areas and more prominent for individuals with education and high income. In rural areas the effects are similar but at a lower degree. Males have significant lower risk of being obese than women in both urban and rural sectors. Findings from this study indicate a scenario where socioeconomic variables play an important role in the incidence of obesity and the important health implications of these in Peru.