Physical inactivity correlates strongly with socio-demographic factors such as age, gender and educational level. Results identify social and economic groups to which future public health interventions should be aimed to increase PA in the Chilean population.

Sedentary lifestyle is associated with metabolic and cardiovascular risk factors independent of physical activity (Rev Med Chile 2017; 145: 458-467)

Being physically active and spending less time in SBs was associated with lower adiposity and improvements in cardiovascular risk factors.

Un mayor nivel de actividad física se asocia a una menor prevalencia de factores de riesgo cardiovascular en Chile: resultados de la Encuesta Nacional de Salud 2009-2010 carlos celis-morales 1,2,a , carlos salas 3,b , cristian álvarez 4,c , nicolás aGuilar Farías 5,d , rodriGo ramírez campillos 6,e , Jaime leppe 7,f , carlos cristi-montero 8,9,g , Ximena díaz martínez 10,h , eliana duran 11,i , ana maría laBraña 11,i , maría adela martínez 12,j , ana maría leiva 13,k , naomi willis 2,l Higher physical activity levels are associated with lower prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors in Chile Background: Little is known about the relationship between physical activity (PA) and cardiovascular risk factors in the Chilean population. Aim: To investigate the association between different levels and intensities of PA and the prevalence of cardiovascular (CV) risk factors in Chilean adults. Material and Methods: Data from the National Health Survey 2009-10 including 5157 participants, provided by the Epidemiology Department of the Ministry of Health, was analyzed in this study. The prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, metabolic syndrome and dyslipidemia were determined using international criteria. PA levels were determined using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ v2) and different levels of PA were derived from it (transport-related, moderate and vigorous PA). Quartiles of PA were determined to investigate the association between PA and cardiovascular risk factors. Results: Twenty three percent of women and 17.1% of men did not meet the PA recommendation (≥ 600 METs.min.week-1). When prevalence of CV risk factors were compared between inactive individuals (< 600 METs.min.week-1) and active individuals (≥ 9500 METs.min.week-1) a significantly lower prevalence of diabetes mellitus (6.2% and 10%), hypertension (18.0% and 12.4%) and metabolic syndrome (8.9% and 12.1%) for women and men, respectively, was found in the active participants. Similar results were found for high versus low transport-related PA. Conclusions: Increasing levels of PA are associated with a significantly lower frequency of cardiovascular risk factors in Chilean adults.

ObjectiveThe aim of the study was to determine the main factors (sociodemographic, anthropometric, lifestyle and health status) associated with high Na excretion in a representative population of Chile.DesignNa excretion (g/d), a valid marker of Na intake, was determined by urine analysis and Tanaka’s formulas. Blood pressure was measured by trained staff and derived from the mean of three readings recorded after 15 min rest. The associations of Na excretion with blood pressure and the primary correlates of high Na excretion were determined using logistic regression.SettingChileans aged ≥15 years.ParticipantsParticipants (n 2913) from the Chilean National Health Survey 2009–2010.ResultsIndividuals aged 25 years or over, those who were obese and those who had hypertension, diabetes or metabolic syndrome were more likely to have higher Na excretion. The odds for hypertension increased by 10·2 % per 0·4 g/d increment in Na excretion (OR=1·10; 95 % CI 1·06, 1·14; P < 0·0001). These findings were independent of major confounding factors.ConclusionsAge, sex, adiposity, sitting behaviours and existing co-morbidities such as diabetes were associated with higher Na excretion levels in the Chilean population. These findings could help policy makers to implement public health strategies tailored towards individuals who are more likely to consume high levels of dietary salt.