MEASUREMENT, CALCULATION AND ANALYSIS OF THE BODY MASS INDEX OF UNICAMP EMPLOYEES: longitudinal evaluation

Abstract

The objective of this work was to diagnose and analyze the Body Mass Index (BMI) adopted by the World Health Organization (WHO) of 205 civil servants at the State University of Campinas (UNICAMP). Participants were people of both sexes and aged between 24 and 62 years old, who signed up and participated in the physical activities of the Mexa-se Program, in the groups of the health area (G1, G2 and G3) and the administrative area (G4, G5 and G6). Body weight was measured using a Filizola digital scale (100g precision) and height was measured using a Trena Sanny stadiometer (0.1 cm precision), calculating the BMI values. Weight and height measurements were taken at the beginning of the activities in the program, when the anamnesis form was completed. Results: G1 = 25.8; G2 = 23.9 and G3 = 25.9 – Health area – and Groups G4 = 26.9; G5 = 27.1 and G6 = 25.7 – Administrative area. When comparing the BMI between the groups in the health and administrative areas, it was found that only in G2 the BMI was less than 25.0. In the other groups, the BMI was above the standards considered normal. The BMI of groups 4 and 5 (26.9 and 27.1) in the administrative area stands out, in which the BMI is classified as overweight or mild obesity. It was found that the BMI is altered, which deserves professional attention, so that the servers receive guidance on nutritional education and practices of daily physical activities, including in the work environment. Thus, these results are relevant with regard to the discussion and planning of more effective strategies regarding physical health and programs that promote, imbuing the regular practice of physical activity and balanced diet with nutritional quality to the servers.