Objective:

To analyze the association between the social determinants of health and the prevalence of overweight and obesity in urban women, according to their socioeconomic status.

Methods:

This cross-sectional study used a mixed approach. For the quantitative component, structured interviews were conducted with a sample of women aged 25-45 years (n=137), representative of two urban cantons in Costa Rica. For the qualitative component, semi-structured interviews were conducted with a sample of 13 institutional actors of the same cantons.

Results:

There are inequalities in the prevalence of overweight and obesity, with a greater impact on the population with a low socioeconomic status. Citizen insecurity, socioeconomic status and overpopulation are obstacles to the development of healthy practices. There is a significant inverse association between regular physical activity and overweight and obesity (OR = 0.35, p = 0.03).

Conclusions:

These results are an input to carry out actions that promote equity, especially in populations that do not have resources for a healthy lifestyle.

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