Análise da composição corporal de trabalhadores hospitalares utilizando absorciometria: estudo transversal

Abstract

Introduction: Hospital workers, when compared to the general population, are more prone to developing cardiovascular diseases, high blood pressure, and excess weight. These conditions are often related to the characteristics of their work routine, which involves high physical and psychological demands that can negatively impact their health. In this context, the assessment of body composition becomes relevant, since widely used methods such as body mass index (BMI) do not allow for the direct analysis of different body compartments. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) allows for a more detailed assessment of body composition, providing accurate information on total body fat and its regional distribution. Objective: To evaluate and describe the body composition of hospital workers by direct measurement using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), as well as to analyze the nutritional status classification obtained by body mass index (BMI) in light of body composition findings. Methods: This is an observational study conducted with five female workers at a hospital in the interior of the state of São Paulo. Body composition was assessed by means of dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Sociodemographic and occupational data were collected using a standardized questionnaire. Body mass index was calculated from weight and height measurements and used as a complementary variable to characterize nutritional status. Data were analyzed descriptively. Results: Analysis of the data obtained by DXA showed that, although two of the five workers were classified as “healthy” according to BMI, all participants had high body fat percentages when assessed by absorptiometry, indicating excess adiposity. Conclusion: The results show that body mass index, when used in isolation, was not able to identify excess body fat in the workers evaluated, masking their actual health condition. The use of DXA allowed for a more accurate assessment of body composition, reinforcing the importance of direct methods for characterizing the body profile of hospital workers.