RELEVANT FACTORS TO HEALTHY EATING AND TO BE HEALTHY FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF NUTRITION STUDENTS

Abstract

Introduction: Healthy eating is one of health determinants and the understanding of Nutrition students about healthy eating will guide their professional practice. Objectives: To evaluate factors considered relevant to healthy eating and to be healthy, attitudes towards eating, body and the nutritionist among Nutrition students. Methodology: 472 students (mean 23.4 years old) from 39 institutions in 23 cities in the state of São Paulo participating in the Nutritionist Health Study (NutriHS) answered questions, in order of importance, about factors for healthy eating and to be healthy, attitudes towards eating, body and nutritionists. Factors were ranked by weighted frequency; attitudes and factors were evaluated by mean and standard deviation and differences between the groups were assessed by the Kruskal-Wallis test. Results and Discussion: The main factors for healthy eating-eating unprocessed and in natura foods, eating with pleasure, and respecting signs of hunger and satiety; and the main ones for being healthy-eating healthy and practicing physical activity-were aligned with guidelines and consensus; but 48.8% agreed that nutritionists should be examples of good shape; and 41.9% that studying Nutrition increased their guilt when eating. Conclusions: Although the main answers about healthy eating and being healthy are in line with recommendations, attitudes regarding eating, body and the nutritionist should be discussed in academic education, due to their possible impact on future professional practice. (English) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]