Abstract
The objective of this study was to characterize the body composition and dietary intake of adolescents from public schools in Blumenau, Santa Catarina. A total of 268 students aged 12 to 16 years were selected by random non-probability sampling. Anthropometric measures including weight, height, waist circumference, and skinfold thickness were collected using pre-established protocols to estimate nutritional status and body composition. Dietary intake was evaluated using a food frequency questionnaire. Descriptive analysis, frequency analysis, and the Student t-test were used (p 2493.5 kcal), with the distribution of macronutrients being in accordance with current recommendations. However, 84% of the adolescents consumed excess saturated fatty acids (>10%) and 46% consumed excess cholesterol (>300). Comparison of dietary intake between genders showed a significant difference for protein (t=2.234, p<0.026), vitamin C (t=2.128; p<0.034), iron (t=2.654; p<0.008), and calcium (t=2.239; p<0.026). In conclusion, the results indicate the need to better understand and evaluate food intake in adolescents in order to develop intervention strategies.
Highlights
Adolescence is marked by the last period of increased growth, which is a period of high nutritional demand[1]
Understanding the relevance of this theme, since dietary intake can result in anthropometric changes, this study aimed to characterize and compare body composition and food intake in adolescents of both sexes from public schools in the city of Blumenau, Santa Catarina, Brazil
Difference between sexes was observed, which was statistically significant for protein, calcium, iron and vitamin C intake
Summary
Adolescence is marked by the last period of increased growth, which is a period of high nutritional demand[1]. Food quantity and quality must be adequate to meet the specific nutritional needs during this period of life. Studies have shown that the eating habits of adolescents eventually meet energy requirements, especially with foods with high contents of saturated fat, simple sugars and sodium[2,3], which may be associated with increased obesity in children and adolescents, a fact disturbing, especially at this stage of life, since obesity is a risk factor for obesity in adulthood[4]. Studies evaluating body composition in adolescents, especially linking nutritional status with lifestyle and daily energy expenditure, have contributed to the diagnosis of cases of overweight and early obesity and collaborated with indicators for assessing risk factors for cardiovascular disease in childhood and adolescence[6]
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