Consumo alimentar segundo grau de processamento e sua associação com fatores de risco em adolescentes no município de Juiz de Fora, MG

Abstract

Over the years, there has been an increase in the consumption of ultra-processed foods to the detriment of natural foods, especially among the younger population. These changes in eating patterns, with increased consumption of ultra-processed foods, have been associated with surgeries for several diseases, such as being overweight, metabolic changes and blood pressure. These changes, when present at an early age, can remain in adulthood. The objective of the study was to evaluate food consumption according to the degree of industrial food processing, as well as its association with risk factors in adolescents between 14 and 19 years of age in public schools in the city of Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais. This is na epidemiological study, of cross-sectional design, including adolescents of both sexes, from public schools. Sociodemographic data (age, sex, education of parents and socioeconomic strata), anthropometric data (weight, height, neck and waist perimeter and body fat percentage by bipolar electrical bioimpedance), biochemical and clinical data (total cholesterol, HDL-c , LDL-c, triglycerides, fasting glycemia and systolic and diastolic blood pressure), behavioral (regular physical activity and screen time) and food consumption, through the application of two 24-hour food records. The foods were grouped according to the NOVA classification according to the degree of industrial processing: a) unprocessed or minimally processed foods, culinary ingredients and preparations based on these foods; b) processed foods; c) ultraprocessed foods. A Food Composition Table was used to estimate the energy and macronutrient contribution, the data being subsequently adjusted by the Multiple Source Method (MSM). 804 adolescents with a mean age of 16.1 ± 1.2 years, with a female predominance (57.5%, n = 462), were evaluated. If they declared themselves black / black or brown 62.4% (n = 497), 70.0% were eutrophic (n = 561) and with normal blood pressure levels (84.4%, n = 677). Only 16.5% (n = 133) practiced exercises for a time ≥ 420 minutes / week and 91.8% (n = 738) had screen time longer than two hours. The average caloric intake of the sample was 2137.66 ± 478.98 kcal; 43.1% came from unprocessed foods, 11.0% from processed foods and 45.9% from ultraprocessed foods. The participation of ultra-processed people was higher among female adolescents. Direct associations were found between consumption of ultra-processed foods and socioeconomic strata, screen time and HDL-c. Whereas, inverse associations were observed between the consumption of unprocessed food and the socioeconomic strata and serum HDL-c levels. High consumption of ultra-processed foods was observed among adolescents from public schools, being associated with several risk factors that favor negative health outcomes. The importance of carrying out actions and interventions that raise awareness about the adoption of healthy lifestyle is reinforced