Avaliação do estado nutricional de universitários

Abstract

Brazilian population presents great changes in its nutritional profile, as a result of a nutritional transition that leads to a western diet, that associated to a decrease on the physical activity result in a increasing of obesity cases. The nutritional status of a group of university students was evaluated through anthropometry, bioelectrical impedance, biochemical methods and food intake. This data was then correlated to socioeconomic status and physical activity. The results showed that the majority of the studied population was eutrophic, according to the Body Mass Index, although most of them exercised once a week or less. Despite the correct distribution of macronutrients in the diet, the energy, fiber, vitamin and mineral intakes were below and the cholesterol intake above of the recommended levels. This data was confirmed by the food frequency questionnaire. Low levels of hemoglobin and albumin, suggesting anemia and protein malnutrition, were also seen in 22,5 and 10,9% population, respectively. The income was only correlated with the circumferences of the waist and of the hip. In conclusion, despite maintaining the ideal body weight, food analysis indicated bad food habits. Although this diet pattern was not associated with actual diseases, it is associated to increased risk of nutritional diseases such as cardiovascular disease and cancer.