[Prevalence of excessive weight and hypertension in a low-income urban population].

Methods From July to December 1998, a cross-sectional study was carried out in a representative sample of a low-income urban community with individuals of both sexes, aged ≥ 30 years and living in 67 (30%) blocks selected out of 224. Blood pressure, weight, and height were measured, and completion of a questionnaire provided information on sex, age, familial income, educational level, and occupation. Body mass index was obtained by dividing weight (kilogram) by height squared (square meter), and the following values were considered: BMI < 25, normal; 25 ≥ BMI < 30, overweight; BMI ≥ 30, obesity. In addition, excessive weight was defined as BMI ≥ 25, and arterial hypertension was defined as systolic blood pressure ≥ 140 mm Hg and diastolic blood pressure ≥ 90 mm Hg.