Perfil dietético e risco cardiovascular em adolescentes de uma escola privada de São Paulo

Abstract

Introduction: Cardiovascular diseases are considered a public health problem and it is important to study strategies for its control since adolescence.Objective: To evaluate the dietary intake and to identify risk factors for cardiovascular diseases in adolescents from a private school in Sao Paulo, Brazil.Materials and Methods: The study was conducted with 48 adolescents from August 2011 to June 2012. The nutritional status was assessed by the Growth Curves of the World Health Organization. Food intake was analyzed by a three-day food record, according to the Dietary Reference Intakes. It was considered as a cardiovascular risk factor: physical inactivity, family history of cardiovascular disease, smoking, alcohol consumption and time spent in sedentary activities such as television, computer and videogames.Results: There was a high prevalence of obesity in adolescents of both genders (16.67% females and 5.56% males). When associated with overweight, the levels were higher in girls (43.34%) compared to boys (40.29%). The study found an increased intake of total fat (33.33%), saturated fat (37.50%), polyunsaturated fat (39.58%) and sodium (37.50%). There was a low intake of monounsaturated fat (89.58%) and fibers (100%). Regarding risk factors, there was a high prevalence of physical inactivity (81.25%), family history of cardiovascular disease (75%) and high time spent in sedentary activities (87.50%).Conclusions: There was a high inadequacy in the dietary habits of adolescents and it was found a high prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors, being necessary an intervention focused on diet and healthy lifestyles.