OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the functional capacity of obese, overweight and eutrophic women. METHODS: An analytical cross study involved 90 adult women from 40 to 60 years of age, distributed in three groups: eutrophic (n=30), overweight (n=30) and obese (n=30).Patients were interviewed by means of the specific health related quality of life questionnaire, Stanford Health Questionnaire (HAQ-20). They were also submitted to an exercise test to compare the maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) among the three groups. Statistical analysis included the chi-square test, the Kruskal Wallis variance analysis and the Spearman and Pearson correlations for p= 0.05. RESULTS: The group of obese women presented HAQ-20 (0.375) score rates significantly higher (p<0.05) than the other groups (0), reflecting lesser functional capacity. The obese group presented VO2max score rates (25.8±5.0ml/kg/min), significantly lower (p<0.001) than the overweight (29.9±6.1ml/kg/min) and eutrophic (33.8±4,1ml/kg/min) groups, indicating a poorer cardio respiratory aptitude. There was no significant difference between the eutrophic and overweight VO2max and HAQ-20 score rates. Hypertension was more frequent among obese women (p=0.012) who also presented a lower level of schooling p= 0.026). CONCLUSION: Obese women presented a poorer physical aptitude and lesser functional capacity in relation to those in the eutrophic and overweight groups Furthermore, the obese also exhibited a worse prognosis for cardiovascular disease.
Obesity; Quality of life; Body mass index; Exercise Test; Women
