Lifestyles and adherence to the chilean dietary guidelines: Results of the chilean national health 2016-2017 survey

Abstract

Compliance with dietary guidelines is essential for adoopting a healthy lifestyle. This study aimed to characterise the lifestyles of the Chilean population according to the fulfilment of 5 recommendations of the Food-Based Dietary Guidelines (GABA in Spanish) established in Chile according to WHO definition. Data from the 2016-2017 National Health Survey were used. Participants were divided into four groups: those who did not meet any recommendations, those who met one, those who met two and those who met three or more (reference group) GABA health recommendations. 43.3% of the sample did not meet any of the recommendations incorporated into this study. Of those who fulfilled at least three recommendations, 35.9% had a normal nutritional status, 38.9% reported never having smoked, and 82% perceived themselves as healthy. In addition, those who fulfilled the recommendations presented higher levels of physical activity (1343.5 MET/min/day [95% CI: 1049.9-1637.2]). From the results, it is inferred that people who incorporate and apply GABA recommendations tend to present healthier life behaviours. Consequently, effective and formative communication strategies in food education on these recommendations are crucial to preventing a fast and early growth of chronic diseases.