Resumen Antecedentes: la fragilidad se caracteriza por la pérdida de reservas biológicas y la vulnerabilidad a resultados adversos. Una intervención con efectos beneficiosos sobre la prevención y el manejo de la fragilidad es la práctica regular de actividad física (AF). Objetivo: caracterizar los niveles de AF y tiempo sedente en personas mayores con fragilidad. Metodología: se incluyó a 232 personas mayores de 60 años de la región metropolitana, participantes en la Encuesta Nacional de Salud 2016-2017. La fragilidad se evaluó en base a los criterios de la escala de fenotipos de Fried y el nivel de AF y tiempo sedentario con el cuestionario Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ v2). Los niveles de AF según el fenotipo de fragilidad se determinaron con análisis de regresión lineal. Resultados y conclusiones: las personas mayores con fragilidad realizan menos AF total (β = -292,6 min/día [IC 95 %: 399,5; -185,7], p = 0,001), laboral (β = -5821,8 min/día [IC 95 %: 8680,8; -2962,8], p = 0,001), de transporte (β = -68,0 min/día [IC 95 %: -105,4; -30,62], p = 0,001). También se observó menor cantidad de AF moderada (β = -137,7 min/día [IC 95 %: -202,0; -73,5], p = 0,001); vigorosa (β = -43,4 min/día [IC 95 %: -81,6; -5,20], p = 0,026) y mayor tiempo sedente (β = 3,55 hora/día [IC 95 %: -1,97; 5,14 ], p = 0,001). Las personas mayores frágiles presentan niveles más bajos de AF en comparación con sus pares sin fragilidad. Considerando que la población chilena experimentará un aumento en el número de personas mayores, es imprescindible implementar medidas preventivas que permitan retrasar la aparición de la fragilidad, como fomentar la práctica de AF en todos sus niveles.

Abstract Background: fragility is characterized by loss of biological reserves and vulnerability to adverse outcomes. An intervention with beneficial effects on the prevention and management of frailty is the regular practice of physical activity (PA). Objective: to determine the association between levels of PA, sedentary time and frailty in older Chileans by sex. Methodology: 232 people over 60 years of age from the metropolitan region participating in the National Health Survey 2016-2017 were included. Frailty was assessed based on the Fried Phenotype Scale criteria and PA level and sedentary time with the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ v2). The association between levels of PA with the different states of frailty was investigated with linear regression analysis. Results and conclusion: elderly people with frailty have less total PA (β = -292.6 min/day [95 % CI: 399.5; -185.7], p = 0.001), occupational PA (β = -5821.8 min/day [95 % CI: 8680.8, -2962.8], p = 0.001), transportation (β = -68.0 min/day [95 % CI: -105.4, -30.62], p = 0.001). A lower amount of moderate AF was also found (β = -137.7 min/day [95 % CI: -202.0, -73.5], p = 0.001); vigorous (β = -43.4 min/day [95 % CI: -81.6; -5.20], p = 0.026) and longer time seated (β = 3.55 hours/day [95 % CI: - 1.97, 5.14], p = 0.001). Frail older people have lower PA levels compared to their peers without frailty. Considering that the Chilean population will experience an increase in the number of older people, it is essential to implement preventive measures to delay the onset of frailty, such as promoting the practice of PA at all levels

ABSTRACT Motivation is a fundamental element for the practice of physical activity and the feeling of satisfaction with life. However, little is known about the role of such psychological variables in the lifestyle of Chilean university students. This study aimed to analyse the relationship between life satisfaction and the regulations of motivation and to compare such variables by physical activity level and sedentary behaviour of university students. The sample comprised 95 Chilean university students (63.2% female), with a mean age of 20.92 ± 1.98 years. The instruments were the IPAQ, the Satisfaction with Life Scale, and the Behavioural Regulation in Exercise Questionnaire. Descriptive measures, Pearson’s correlation coefficient, and Student’s t-tests were used to analyse the data. The results revealed positive and significant correlations between life satisfaction and intrinsic (r = 0,44), integrated (r = 0,38), and identified (r = 0,41) regulation. Students with high levels of physical activity scored higher for intrinsic, integrated, and identified regulation. Those who reported low sedentary behaviour showed higher identified regulation. Therefore, it is suggested that students’ motivational regulation may differ on some dimensions as those with higher levels of physical activity show more adaptive motivational regulation. Identified regulation also seems to play an important role in decreasing sedentary behaviour.

RESUMO A motivação é elemento fundamental para a prática de atividade física e o sentimento de satisfação com a vida. Contudo, pouco se sabe sobre o papel de tais variáveis psicológicas no estilo de vida de estudantes universitários chilenos. Este estudo teve como objetivos analisar as relações entre a satisfação com a vida e as regulações da motivação, e comparar tais variáveis em função do nível de atividade física e do comportamento sedentário de estudantes universitários. A amostra foi composta por 95 estudantes universitários chilenos (63,2% do gênero feminino), com idade média de 20,92 ± 1,98 anos. Os instrumentos avaliados foram o IPAQ, a Escala de Satisfação com a Vida e o Questionário de Regulação do Comportamento do Exercício. Medidas descritivas, coeficientes de correlação de Pearson e testes t de Student foram utilizados para analisar os dados. Os resultados revelaram correlações positivas e significativas entre satisfação com a vida e regulação intrínseca (r = 0,44), integrada (r = 0,38) e identificada (r = 0,41). Os estudantes com alto nível de atividade física obtiveram maiores pontuações para regulação intrínseca, integrada e identificada. Os indivíduos que reportaram menor comportamento sedentário possuíam maior regulação identificada. Desse modo, sugere-se que a regulação motivacional dos estudantes pode ser diferente em algumas dimensões, sendo que os indivíduos com maior nível de atividade física semanal demonstram regulações motivacionais mais adaptativas. A regulação identificada também parece desempenhar um papel importante para a redução do comportamento sedentário.

Resumen Antecedentes: El consumo máximo de oxígeno es un indicador de la aptitud cardiorrespiratoria. Objetivo: El objetivo fue relacionar y comparar el V̇O2máx. como variable dependiente con la distancia estimada en la prueba de caminata de seis minutos (PC6M) como variable independiente en estudiantes universitarios, a la vez relacionar la distancia (dependiente) con variables demográficas y antropométricas (independientes). Metodología: Estudio cuantitativo, no experimental, transversal, y descriptivo-correlacional en el que participaron 110 estudiantes universitarios. Se midió antropometría básica y signos vitales, y se aplicó un método directo de V̇O2máx. (Test de Bruce) en cinta rodante, luego se estimó la distancia recorrida en PC6M con dos ecuaciones disponibles en la literatura. Diferencias entre hombres y mujeres en las pruebas aplicadas, correlación entre las distancias estimadas con el V̇O2máx. y variables antropométricas, y la prueba de ANOVA de medidas repetidas entre el V̇O2máx. y las distancias estimadas fueron utilizadas con el programa SPSS v.22 (p<0,05). Resultados: Se encontró correlaciones significativas entre el V̇O2máx. y distancias estimadas (p<0,05) en la muestra, en hombres y mujeres, y en algunos casos la distancia se correlacionó con el sexo, la edad, el peso, la estatura y el IMC (p<0,05). Sin embargo, hubo diferencias entre el V̇O2máx. y las distancias estimadas en la PC6M (p<0,001). Conclusiones: El método directo de V̇O2máx. es distinto de las ecuaciones de predicción de distancia, aunque tienen relación significativa.

Resumo Antecedentes: O consumo máximo de oxigênio é um indicador de aptidão cardiorrespiratória. Objetivo: O objetivo é relacionar e comparar a V̇O2 máx. como variável dependente com a distância estimada no teste de caminhada de seis minutos (TC6M) como uma variável independente em estudantes universitários, ao mesmo tempo, relacionar a distância (dependente) com variáveis demográficas e antropométricas (independente). Metodologia: Estudo quantitativo, não-experimental, transversal, descritivo-correlativo, no qual participaram 110 estudantes universitários. Antropometria básica e sinais vitais foram medidos, e um método direto de V̇O2 máx. (teste Bruce) foi aplicado na esteira, então a distância coberta em TC6M foi estimada com duas equações disponíveis na literatura. Diferenças entre homens e mulheres nos testes aplicados, correlação entre distâncias estimadas com V̇O2 máx. e variáveis antropométricas, e medidas repetidas teste ANOVA entre V̇O2 máx. e distâncias estimadas foram usadas com SPSS v.22 (p<0,05). Resultados: Foram encontradas correlações significativas entre V̇O2 máx. e distâncias estimadas (p<0,05) na amostra, em homens e mulheres, e em alguns casos a distância correlacionada com sexo, idade, peso, altura e IMC (p<0,05). Entretanto, houve diferenças entre V̇O2 máx. e distâncias estimadas em TC6M (p<0,001). Conclusões: O método direto de V̇O2 máx. é diferente das equações de previsão de distância, embora elas tenham relações significativas.

Abstract Background: Maximum oxygen consumption is an indicator of cardiorespiratory fitness. Aim: The purpose was, first, to relate and compare the V̇O2max as the dependent variable with the estimated distance in the six-minute walk test (SMWT) as the independent variable in university students and, secondly, to relate the distance (dependent) with demographic and anthropometric variables (independents). Methodology: A correlational, descriptive, and quantitative study with a non-experimental design was conducted on 110 university students. In the study, basic anthropometry and vital signs were measured. A direct method of V̇O2max (Bruce test) on a treadmill was applied. Then, the distance covered in the SMWT was evaluated with two equations available in the scientific literature. Differences between men and women were measured in the tests, the correlation between the distances estimated with V̇O2max and anthropometric variables, and repeated ANOVA measurement tests between V̇O2max and estimated distance were analyzed with the SPSS v.22 program (p<0.05). Results: Significant correlations were found between V̇O2max and estimated distances (p<0.05) in the total sample, men and women, and in some cases, the distance correlated with gender, age, weight, height, and BMI (p<0.05). However, there were differences between V̇O2max and distances estimated in the SMWT (p<0.001). Conclusions: The V̇O2max measurement method is different from the distance prediction equations, although they have a significant relationship.

Background: Physical activity (PA) practice reduces the adverse effects of COVID-19. PA counseling promotes healthy lifestyles and prevents cardiometabolic diseases. Aim: To assess the trend in cases of PA counseling and the cardiometabolic disease between 2012 and 2019 (before COVID-19) in a southern Chilean region. Material and Methods: Records of Maule Region Health Service for 731.163 men, and 829.097 women aged < 10 to ≥ 65 years were analyzed. The average annual percentage change (AAPC) during the study period and the annual percentage change (APC) during intermediate periods, were calculated. Results: There was a significant decrease in PA counseling in women in the study period (AAPC: −13.6%). In the 2012-2017 period a significant decrease in counseling for total, men and women were observed (APC: −18.1, −16.5 and −19.1%, respectively). Obesity increased significantly in total, men and women in the 2012-2019 period (AAPC: 10.1, 8.5 and 10.7%, respectively). The same trend was observed for hypertension (AAPC: 8.1, 8.5 and 7.6% respectively) and elevated blood glucose (AAPC: 10, 11.5 and 9.6%, respectively). Conclusions: In the study period PA counseling decreased along with an increase in obesity, hypertension and high blood glucose. Increasing PA counseling is a mainstay in the prevention of cardiometabolic diseases and probably to prevent contagion and complement the treatment of COVID-19.

Background: Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is inversely associated with metabolic diseases and adiposity markers. Aim: To assess the association of CRF with body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC) and obesity in a representative sample of the Chilean population. Material and Methods: Data from 5,958 participants in the Chilean National Health Survey 2016-1027 aged 15 years or above were analyzed. CRF was estimated by an equation that included sociodemographic, anthropometric and health-related data and expressed in metabolic equivalent units (METs). The association between CRF and adiposity was assessed using linear and Poisson regression models and the results were presented as Prevalence Ratio (PR). Results: One MET increment in CRF was associated with a 3.27 kg/m2 (95% confidence intervals (CI): -3.35; -3.2) and 4.56 kg/m2 (95% CI: -4.67; -4.46) lower BMI in men and women, respectively. Waist circumference was 6.7 cm [95% CI: -6.98; -6.42] and 9 cm [95% CI: -9.33; -8.67] lower per 1-MET increment in CRF. With one MET increment, the probability of being obese was 34% (PR = 0.66 [95%CI: 0.63; 0.69]) and 36% (PR = 0.64 [95%CI: 0.61; 0.67]) lower in men and women, respectively. The probability of having a central obesity was 26% (PR = 0.74 [95%CI: 0.71; 0.77]) and 30% (PR = 0.70 [95%CI: 0.68; 0.73]) lower in men and women, respectively. Conclusions: A higher estimated CRF was associated with lower adiposity levels and a lower risk of being obese in both men and women. Public health policies aiming to increase physical activity are needed to increase the CRF of the Chilean population.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Handgrip strength is a way to evaluate muscle weakness in older people and it has been seen to show a high correlation with general strength and body muscle mass, which is why it could help in the early detection of deterioration in physical function. loss of lower limb strength and risk of falls. Objective: To relate handgrip strength with physical function and risk of falls in older people. Methods: Descriptive, correlational study. It evaluated 87 older people (24 men and 63 women) between 65 and 75 years old, from 4 social organizations in the city of Talca, Chile, selected through a non-probabilistic convenience sampling. To measure the handgrip strength, a hand dynamometer was used, to assess physical function the Short Physical Performance Battery test was used, and the unipodal station and time up and go tests were used to evaluate balance static and dynamic respectively. Results: Moderately significant relationships were observed between the handgrip strength in the Short Physical Performance Battery test (p = 0.001; r = 0.473) and with all the tests that make up this battery. A moderate one was also evidenced between the grip strength and the unipodal station test (p = 0.001; r= 0.472), while the relationship with the time up and go test was weak inverse (p = 0.002; r = -0.398). Conclusion: There is a relationship between handgrip strength with physical function and the risk of falls in older people. This finding is important because it suggests that handgrip strength could be used in clinical practice as an indirect indicator or as an early detection tool for loss of general strength capacity, physical fitness, and risk of falls.

RESUMEN Introducción: La fuerza de prensión manual permite evaluar debilidad muscular en personas mayores y presenta correlación con la fuerza general y masa muscular, por lo que podría ayudar en la detección precoz del deterioro de la función física y riesgo de caídas. Objetivo: Relacionar la fuerza de prensión manual con la función física y riesgo de caídas en personas mayores. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo, correlacional. Evaluó 87 personas mayores (24 hombres y 63 mujeres) entre 65 y 75 años, de 4 organizaciones sociales de Talca, Chile, seleccionados por un muestreo no probabilístico por conveniencia. Para medir la fuerza de prensión manual se utilizó́ un dinamómetro de mano, para valorar la función física se usó la prueba Short Physical Performance Battery; con las pruebas de estación unipodal y time up and go se evaluó riesgo de caídas. Resultados: Se observaron relaciones significativas moderadas entre la fuerza de prensión manual y el test Short Physical Performance Battery (p= 0,001; r= 0,473) y con todas las pruebas que componen esta batería. Se evidenció una relación entre la fuerza de prensión y la prueba de estación unipodal (p= 0,001; r= 0,472), mientras que la relación con la prueba time up and go fue inversa débil (p= 0,002; r= -0,398). Conclusión: Existe relación entre la fuerza de prensión manual con la función física y el riesgo de caídas personas mayores. Este hallazgo sugiere que la fuerza de prensión manual podría usarse en la práctica clínica como instrumento de detección precoz de la pérdida de la función física y riesgo de caídas.

Background: The Chilean population reports high levels of physical inactivity. The relationship between income level, physical activity (PA) and sedentary behaviors is not well known. Aim: To describe the levels of PA and sedentary time, according to income levels in the Chilean population. Material and Methods: Analysis of data from the Chilean National Health Survey 2016-2017, which included 5,130 participants (52.9% women). The levels of PA and sedentary time were measured by the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire. Income levels were established according to the self-reported income per capita of the households and presented as quintiles. PA levels according to income levels were estimated by linear regression analyses. Results: Transport-related PA was higher in the lowest income quintiles (p = 0.039). There were no trends for income levels and PA domains including moderate, vigorous, total, occupational and leisure PA. The prevalence of leisure and occupational physical inactivities were higher in the lowest quintiles of income. Sitting time was higher in the higher income levels (p < 0.01). Conclusions: People in the lowest quintile for income spent more time in transport-related PA and less time sitting. However, physical inactivity prevalence during leisure and work time were higher in people with lower income.

ABSTRACT Regular physical activity (PA) has been associated with important metabolic benefits, as well as a decreased risk of developing some types of cancer. The objective of this scoping review is to synthesize the existing scientific evidence on the association of PA levels and the risk of developing cancer. This will allow a better orientation to future public policies aimed at increasing PA levels in the Chilean population. We searched for the latest global and national reports on PA and cancer as well as scientific databases (Pubmed, Web of Sciences, Scopus, Medline, Scielo and Google Scholar) using the following keywords: “exercise”, “neoplasms”, “cancer”, “colorectal”, “breast”, “endometrium”, “physical activity”, “exercise”, “sedentary lifestyle” and “sports”. Our review supports the protective association between PA and a lower risk of several cancers including colorectal, breast and endometrial cancer. However, more research is still needed to elucidate the role of PA on the risk for other common cancers.

RESUMEN La práctica regular de actividad física (AF) ha sido asociada a importantes beneficios metabólicos, como también a la disminución del riesgo de desarrollar algunos tipos de cáncer. El objetivo de esta revisión especial es sintetizar la evidencia científica existente sobre la asociación de los niveles de AF y el riesgo de desarrollar cáncer. Esto permitirá una mejor orientación a futuras políticas públicas destinada a aumentar los niveles de AF en la población chilena. Se buscaron los últimos reportes mundiales y nacionales sobre AF y cáncer en conjunto con una búsqueda de artículos científicos en las bases de datos de Pubmed, Web of Sciences, Scopus, Medline, Scielo y Google Scholar utilizando las siguientes palabras claves: “Exercise», «Neoplasms», “Cancer”, “Colorectal”, “Breast”, “Endometrium”, “Physical activity”, “Exercise”, “Sedentary” and “Sports”. Esta revisión entrega evidencia sobre la asociación de la AF con un menor riesgo de múltiples tipos de cáncer, incluyendo cáncer colorrectal, mama y endometrio, pero aún se necesita más investigación con relación a la asociación entre AF y otros tipos de cáncer.

Background: Cardiorespiratory fitness is a strong predictor of mortality and chronic diseases. However, its estimation is costly and time consuming which may limit it broad use in population-based studies. Aim: To estimate the cardiorespiratory fitness of the Chilean population by using equations and to characterize fitness levels of the Chilean population by sociodemographic factors. Material and Methods: This cross-sectional study included 5,958 adults from the Chilean Health Survey conducted between 2016 and 2017. Cardiorespiratory fitness was estimated from sex-specific equations for men and women and expressed as METs (Energy Metabolic Equivalent). Fitness levels were characterized by sociodemographics factors (age, sex, education, income and area of residency). Results: Fitness levels were higher in men (9.01 METs) than in women (6.76 METs) and in average decrease by 0.59 and 0.34 METs per each year increment in age for men and women, respectively. Fitness levels were 12.7 METs and 7.8 METs for 20-year-old men and women, respectively. However, fitness levels decreased to 7.8 METs and 4.3 METs in 90-year-old men and women, respectively. Fitness levels were also higher in individuals living in urban setting, those with higher education or income levels and lean individuals. Conclusions: This study reports fitness levels in a nationally representative sample of Chile. Fitness levels were higher in men than women however, its decline with age was more pronounce in men than women.

Abstract The six-minute walk test has been generally applied in people with pathologies and some studies have proposed models to predict maximum oxygen consumption. Our objective was to elaborate on an equation to predict the maximum oxygen consumption in the six-minute walking test for university students. A hundred and forty people participated in this study. The six-minute walking test was applied and after on a gradual exercise test was performed to determine the maximum oxygen consumption. A multivariate equation was developed and the analysis was done using the SPSS v.22 program (p < 0.05). The predictive model include gender, age, body mass index, distance performed and heart rate recovery (r = 0.83; p < 0.001). The equation fulfilled the assumptions of independence (p = 0.13), normality (p = 0.49) and homoscedasticity (p = 0.64). The Bland-Altman diagram indicated that there were no significant differences between the equation and the measurement of the maximum oxygen consumption (p = 0.89), with a confidence interval of 0.054 ml·kg·min-1 (95% CI [-0.72; 0.83]). The equation predicts the maximum oxygen consumption. It is suggested to evaluate university students considering biological and environmental differences between countries.

Resumen La prueba de caminata de seis minutos se ha aplicado generalmente en enfermos, y algunos estudios han propuesto modelos para predecir el consumo máximo de oxígeno. Nuestro objetivo fue elaborar una ecuación para predecir el consumo máximo de oxígeno en la prueba de caminata de seis minutos para estudiantes universitarios. Participaron 140 estudiantes. Se aplicó el test de marcha y después se realizó una prueba de ejercicio gradual para determinar el consumo máximo de oxígeno. Se elaboró una ecuación multivariada y el análisis se hizo con el programa SPSS v.22 (p < 0.05). El modelo predictivo incluyó el sexo, edad, índice de masa corporal, distancia recorrida y la frecuencia cardíaca de recuperación (r = 0.83; p < 0.001). La ecuación cumplió con los supuestos de independencia (p = 0.13), de normalidad (p = 0.49) y de homocedasticidad (p = 0.64). El diagrama de Bland-Altman indicó que no hubo diferencias significativas entre la ecuación y la medición del consumo máximo de oxígeno (p = 0.89), con un intervalo de confianza de 0.054 ml·kg·min-1 (95% IC [-0.72; 0.83]). La ecuación predice el consumo máximo de oxígeno. Se sugiere evaluar estudiantes universitarios considerando diferencias biológicas y ambientales entre países.

Background Walking speed is a strong predictor of non-communicable diseases and mortality. Aim To investigate the association of self-reported walking pace with adiposity, metabolic and cardiovascular markers in the Chilean population. Material and Methods Analysis of data from 5,077 participants of the 2009-2010 National Health Survey (ENS 2009-2010). Walking speed was self-reported as average or slow pace. Body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), blood pressure, blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin and lipid profile were the outcome. Results In Chile, 11% (95% confidence intervals [CI]: 10.0; 12.7) of the population reported a slow walking pace. Compared with average walking people, those reporting a slow pace had a higher body weight (difference (∆) 5.65 kg [95% CI: 3.22; 8.09], p < 0.01), BMI (D 2.48 kg/m 2 [95% CI: 1.53; 3.44], p < 0.01), WC (D 6.23 cm [95% CI: 4.12; 8.34], p < 0.01), serum triglycerides (D 30,9 mg/dl [95% CI: 5,31; 57,5], p = 0.018), and lower HDL cholesterol (D -2.32 mg/dl [95% CI: -4,24; -0,34], p = 0.022). Those reporting a slow pace had also a higher odd of being obese (odds ratio (OR): 2.46 [95% CI: 1.82; 3.33], p < 0.01), being diabetic (OR: 1.54 [95% CI: 1.02; 2.40], p = 0.018) and having metabolic syndrome (OR: 2.03 [95% CI: 1.30; 3.18], p = 0.002). Conclusions In Chilean adults, slow walking pace is associated with and unfavorable adiposity and lipid profile, including a higher probability of being obese, diabetic and having metabolic syndrome.

Background: A higher educational level is associated with healthier lifestyles. Aim: To assess the association between the level of compliance with physical activity recommendations and years of formal education in Chilean adults. Material and Methods: Analysis include 6,174 participants from the National Health Survey 2016-2017. Physical activity levels were assessed through the Global Physical Questionnaire (GPAQ v2). Physical inactivity was defined as < 600 MET/minute/week. Results: Among subjects without education, 44% and 27% of women and men respectively, were physically inactive. Among women and men with the highest number of years of education (> 16) the figures for physical inactivity were 27% and 15% respectively. The odds for not meeting the physical activity recommendations was 2.3 [95% confidence intervals (CI): 1.57; 3.38] and 3.9 [95% CI: 2.27; 6.95] in women and men without any formal education respectively, as compared with those who reported 12 years of education. Women and men who reported a high level of education ≥ (16 years) did not show significant differences compared to the reference group. Conclusions: People with low levels of education are were likely to be physically inactive.

ABSTRACT Lifestyle behaviours among women who take care of their home duties (housewives) and women who are currently working in paid employment is unknown in the Chilean population. The aim of this study was, therefore, to characterise adiposity, lifestyle behaviours and physical activity levels in housewives and women with paid employment in Chile. A total of 2,231 women from the National Health Survey 2009-2010 were included in this study. Adiposity markers (body weight, body mass index and waist circumference), lifestyle behaviors and physical activity were measured using self-reported questionnaires. The main findings of this study was that housewives had a higher body mass index (27,9 vs. 20,0 kg/m2, p<0,0001) and waist circumference (98,3 vs. 95,6 cm, p<0,0001) than women with paid-employment. Physical activity levels were lower (transport PA 42,5 vs. 51,5 min/day, p= 0,009, moderate PA 94,2 vs. 128,4 min/ day, p<0,0001 and vigorous PA 25,06 vs. 53,49 min/day, p<0,0001) and sedentary-related behaviours (2,71 vs. 3,26 hours/day, p<0,0001) were higher in housewives compare to women with paid-employment. Dietary behaviors showed that housewives consume less alcohol (30,5 vs. 43,2 g/day, p= 0,021) than women with paid-employment.

RESUMEN En Chile existe escasa evidencia en relación a las características de los estilos de vida en mujeres dueñas de casa versus mujeres con trabajos renumerados. El objetivo del estudio fue comparar marcadores de adiposidad, hábitos de consumo asociados a estilos de vida y nivel de actividad física (AF) en mujeres dueñas de casa y trabajadoras remuneradas chilenas. Se compararon variables de adiposidad como el índice de masa corporal (IMC), peso corporal, perímetro de cintura (PC), estilos de vida y niveles de AF (transporte, moderada y vigorosa intensidad y tiempo sedente) de 2.232 participantes de la Encuesta Nacional de Salud 2009-2010. Las dueñas de casa, en comparación con las trabajadoras renumeradas, presentaron un mayor IMC (27,9 vs. 20,0 kg/m2, p<0,0001) y PC (98,3 vs. 95,6 cm, p<0,0001). El tiempo destinado a la práctica de AF de trasporte (42,5 vs. 51,5 min/día, p= 0,009), moderada (94,2 vs. 128,4 min/día, p<0,0001) y vigorosa (25,06 vs. 53,49 min/día, p<0,0001) fue menor en dueñas de casa que en trabajadoras renumeradas. Por el contrario, las dueñas de casa destinaron menor tiempo al desarrollo de actividades sedentes (2,71 vs. 3,26 horas/día, p<0,0001), además mostraron un menor consumo de alcohol (30,5 vs. 43,2 g/día, p= 0,021) en comparación a trabajadoras renumeradas.