Perfil nutricional e hábitos alimentares de adolescentes de uma cidade da fronteira oeste gaúcha

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the nutritional status and dietary habits of adolescent students in the city of Itaqui / RS. A cross-sectional school-based including 744 adolescents aged 13 to 19 years was conducted. It has measured up height and weight to assess the nutritional status based on the Body Mass Index (BMI) according to reference the World Health Organization. The dietary intake was assessed by questionnaire auto-applied. A prevalence of 8.9% and 18.0% of the population classified as obese and overweight, respectively met. It was observed higher daily consumption for the following foods: rice (80.7%), bread (78.5%), meat (65.8%), milk and dairy products (54.1%) and combination of rice and beans (48.2%). Further, it was found that noodles (72.35), fruit (37.6%), vegetables (36.5%), soft (48.6%), processed food (48.3%), cakes (47, 6%) and canned (40.9%) were consumed frequently 1 to 3 times per week. High percentage of adolescents reported consuming whole grains (67.9%), instant noodles (60.3%) and beverages (77.5%) often less than 1 time per month. Considering the importance of healthy eating in adolescence and adequate nutritional status, suggests a greater investment in public policies on food and nutrition.