Realização de refeições e condição de peso em adolescentes de Cuiabá-MT

Abstract

In order to verify the association between weight condition and meal consumption, this cross-sectional study investigated 70 adolescents aged 13 to 15 from a public school in Cuiabá-MT. Anthropometric measures were measured and a standardized questionnaire was applied with socioeconomic and demographic questions, standard of consumption of meals and substitution of the main meals for snacks. A descriptive analysis was performed, and the chi-square test was used to verify difference between genders and weight condition with meal consumption, with a significance level of 5%. The results revealed high prevalence of overweight, being higher among girls. In addition, overweight was associated with non-consumption of school meals, consumption of snacks outside the home at dinner time, and failure to eat breakfast and supper. Therefore, it is important to carry out preventive actions in order to promote adequate and healthy food to prevent the progress of food-related diseases.