Relação entre estilo de vida e índice de massa corporal de adolescentes / Relationship between lifestyle and body mass index of adolescents

Esse estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a relação entre o estilo de vida e o índice de massa corporal de adolescentes. Realizou-se uma pesquisa quantitativa, descritiva de correlação, realizado com 160 adolescentes, com idade de 14 a 17 anos de uma escola pública da rede estadual de ensino, situada no município de Araquari, no estado de Santa Catarina. Para avaliar o estilo de vida foi utilizado o Perfil do estilo de vida (PEV), para o índice de massa corporal foi realizada a avaliação antropométrica da estatura e da massa corporal, e posteriormente a divisão da massa corporal pela estatura ao quadrado. Para verificar a relação entre o estilo de vida e o índice de massa corporal aplicou-se a regressão linear simples, assim obteve-se a correlação de Pearson, o coeficiente de determinação simples e ajustado, e o erro padrão da estimativa. O intervalo de confiança foi de 95,00% e o nível de significância de p≤0.050. A amostra apresentou como características: idade média de 14.32±0.58 anos, estatura de 164±0.07 centímetros, massa corporal de 57.13±12.10 quilogramas e índice de massa corporal 21.17±3.91. Apresentou correlação apenas as variáveis: prática de atividade física (r: 0.642; p<0.001) e comportamento preventivo (r:0.676; p<0.001). Pode-se afirmar neste estudo que o estilo de vida está relacionado positivamente com o IMC dos adolescentes por meio de dois componentes que são: a prática de atividade física e o comportamento preventivo.

This study aimed at evaluating the relationship between lifestyle and body mass index of adolescents. A quantitative, descriptive correlation study was developed with 160 adolescents aged between 14 to 17 years old from a public school in the state education network located in the city of Araquari in the state of Santa Catarina. In order to evaluate the lifestyle, the Lifestyle Profile (PEV) was used. Body mass index was calculated using an anthropometric evaluation of stature and body mass, which was performed by the division of body mass by stature squared. In order to verify the relationship between lifestyle and body mass index, simple linear regression was applied, thus obtaining the Pearson correlation, the simple and adjusted coefficient of determination, and the standard error for the estimate. The confidence interval was 95.00% and the significance level of p≤0.050. The sample presented the following characteristics: mean age of 14.32±0.58 years, height of 164±0.07 centimeters, body mass of 57.13±12.10 kg and body mass index 21.17±3.91. Only the following variables were correlated: physical activity (r:0.642; p<0.001) and preventive behavior (r:0.676; p<0.001). It can be concluded from this study that the lifestyle is positively related to the BMI of adolescents through two components, which are: the practice of physical activity and preventive behavior.

Aversiones alimentarias en adolescentes de la Secundaria Básica José Martí en municipio Cerro. 2015 / Food aversions of teenagers from the Junior High School Jose Marti in the municipality Cerro. 2015

Introducción: la adolescencia es considerada una etapa compleja no solo por los cambios que ocurren en el organismo desde todos los puntos de vista, sino por la complejidad que presupone el manejo psicológico de la misma, de esta forma también influye, lo relacionado con su hábitos alimenticios. Objetivo: describir el comportamiento de las aversiones alimentarias en 94 adolescentes, de la escuela Secundaria Básica "José Martí". Materiales y Métodos: se realizó un estudio descriptivo transversal, con 94 adolescentes de la escuela Secundaria Básica "José Martí" del municipio Cerro, que cursaban el 7mo grado, cuyas edades oscilaron de 11 a 15 años de edad, durante el período de septiembre a octubre del 2015. Resultados: los grupos de alimentos más detestados fueron los vegetales y las frutas. El pescado a pesar de su importancia nutricional fue el alimento más rechazado y el menos consumido. Las viandas, las legumbres, los cereales, las carnes blancas, el huevo y los lácteos fueron los grupos de alimentos por los que menos aversión mostraron. Continúa siendo un factor de riesgo para la población adolescente, la ingestión de dulces y azúcares por ser uno de los alimentos preferidos y de mayor consumo. Conclusiones: las aversiones alimentarias detectadas sitúan a este grupo atareo en una situación vulnerable desde el punto de vista nutricional, y ratifica que los alimentos con mayores valores nutricionales son los menos aborrecidos, a pesar de las consecuencias actuales y futuras que pueden generar en su salud, así como el incremento de la incidencia de enfermedades relacionadas con los hábitos dietéticos (AU).

Introduction: the adolescence is considered a complex stage not only because of the changes occurring in the organism from all the points of view, but also due to the complexness of its psychological management. Eating habits belong to this field. Objetive: to describe the behavior of food aversions in 94 teenagers of the Junior High School "José Martí." Materials and Methods: a cross-sectional, descriptive study was carried out during the period September-October 2015, with 97 7th-grade students of the Junior High school "José Martí", municipality Cerro, whose age ranged from 11 to 15 years. Results: the most detested food groups were vegetables and fruits. Fish, in spite of its nutritional importance, was the most rejected food and the less consumed one. Vegetables, legumes, cereals, white meats, eggs and dairy products are the food groups for which they showed less aversion. It is still a risk factor for the adolescent population the consumption of sweets and sugar because they are their preferable food and the ones they consume the most. Conclusions: the detected food aversions locate this age group in a vulnerable situation from the nutritional point of view, and ratifies foods with higher nutritional values are the less detested ones, in spite of the current and future consequences that could generate in their health, and also indicates the raise of the incidence of diseases related with dietary habits (AU).

Aversiones alimentarias en adolescentes de la Secundaria Básica José Martí en municipio Cerro. 2015 / Food aversions of teenagers from the Junior High School Jose Marti in the municipality Cerro. 2015

Introducción: la adolescencia es considerada una etapa compleja no solo por los cambios que ocurren en el organismo desde todos los puntos de vista, sino por la complejidad que presupone el manejo psicológico de la misma, de esta forma también influye, lo relacionado con su hábitos alimenticios. Objetivo: describir el comportamiento de las aversiones alimentarias en 94 adolescentes, de la escuela Secundaria Básica "José Martí". Materiales y Métodos: se realizó un estudio descriptivo transversal, con 94 adolescentes de la escuela Secundaria Básica "José Martí" del municipio Cerro, que cursaban el 7mo grado, cuyas edades oscilaron de 11 a 15 años de edad, durante el período de septiembre a octubre del 2015. Resultados: los grupos de alimentos más detestados fueron los vegetales y las frutas. El pescado a pesar de su importancia nutricional fue el alimento más rechazado y el menos consumido. Las viandas, las legumbres, los cereales, las carnes blancas, el huevo y los lácteos fueron los grupos de alimentos por los que menos aversión mostraron. Continúa siendo un factor de riesgo para la población adolescente, la ingestión de dulces y azúcares por ser uno de los alimentos preferidos y de mayor consumo. Conclusiones: las aversiones alimentarias detectadas sitúan a este grupo atareo en una situación vulnerable desde el punto de vista nutricional, y ratifica que los alimentos con mayores valores nutricionales son los menos aborrecidos, a pesar de las consecuencias actuales y futuras que pueden generar en su salud, así como el incremento de la incidencia de enfermedades relacionadas con los hábitos dietéticos (AU).

Introduction: the adolescence is considered a complex stage not only because of the changes occurring in the organism from all the points of view, but also due to the complexness of its psychological management. Eating habits belong to this field. Objetive: to describe the behavior of food aversions in 94 teenagers of the Junior High School "José Martí." Materials and Methods: a cross-sectional, descriptive study was carried out during the period September-October 2015, with 97 7th-grade students of the Junior High school "José Martí", municipality Cerro, whose age ranged from 11 to 15 years. Results: the most detested food groups were vegetables and fruits. Fish, in spite of its nutritional importance, was the most rejected food and the less consumed one. Vegetables, legumes, cereals, white meats, eggs and dairy products are the food groups for which they showed less aversion. It is still a risk factor for the adolescent population the consumption of sweets and sugar because they are their preferable food and the ones they consume the most. Conclusions: the detected food aversions locate this age group in a vulnerable situation from the nutritional point of view, and ratifies foods with higher nutritional values are the less detested ones, in spite of the current and future consequences that could generate in their health, and also indicates the raise of the incidence of diseases related with dietary habits (AU).

Adesão ao tratamento dietético e estado nutricional de adolescentes com fibrose cística / Adherence to dietary treatment and nutritional status of adolescentes with cistic fibrosis

Introdução: Em adolescentes com fibrose cística, as alterações biopsicossociais características da fase somadas ao quadro da doença podem interferir potencialmente na adesão ao tratamento dietético e no estado nutricional. Objetivo: Identificar as dificuldades na adesão ao tratamento dietético e o estado nutricional em adolescentes com fibrose cística acompanhados no centro de referência do Ceará. Métodos: A coleta de dados aconteceu entre janeiro e abril de 2016. Os adolescentes relataram as dificuldades que encontravam no seguimento da dieta e o grau de adesão autorreferida no seguimento das orientações nutricionais. O estado nutricional foi diagnosticado segundo o Índice de Massa Corporal para Idade - IMC/I e Área Muscular do Braço Corrigida - AMBc. Resultados: Foram avaliados 20 adolescentes, com média de idade de 14,1 + 3,1 anos. As dificuldades identificadas na adesão foram relacionadas às características da dieta, aos aspectos intrapessoais e fisiológicos da doença e aos aspectos psicossociais. A maioria dos adolescentes (80%) relatou seguir pelo menos 50% das orientações dietéticas. Quanto ao estado nutricional, 50% e 70% dos pacientes apresentavam déficit nutricional segundo o IMC/I e a AMBc, respectivamente. Discussão: A literatura sobre a adesão ao tratamento da fibrose cística mostra que a dieta é um dos itens com menor adesão, corroborando os achados neste estudo. Conclusão: Os adolescentes apresentam dificuldades na adesão ao tratamento e alto percentual de déficit nutricional. Sugere-se a educação nutricional na criação de estratégias para melhorar este quadro (AU)

Introduction: In adolescents with cystic fibrosis the biopsychosocial changes characteristic of phase added to characteristics of the disease can to interfere potentially in the adherence to dietary treatment and in the nutritional status. Objective: To identify difficulties in adherence to dietary treatment and nutritional status in adolescents with cystic fibrosis accompanied at the reference center of Ceará. Methods: Data collection was between January and April 2016. Adolescents reported difficulties they encountered in diet follow-up and degree of adherence self-referenced to follow nutritional guidelines. The nutritional status was diagnosed according to Body Mass Index for Age - BMI / I and Corrected Arm Muscle Area - CAMa. Results: Twenty adolescents were evaluated, with a mean age of 14.1 + 3.1 years. The difficulties identified in the adherence were related to characteristics of the diet, to intrapersonal and physiological aspects of the disease and to psychosocial aspects. Most adolescents (80%) reported following at least 50% of dietary guidelines. Regarding nutritional status, 50% and 70% of the patients presented nutritional deficits according to the BMI / I and CAMa, respectively. Discussion: The literature on adherence to cystic fibrosis treatment shows that diet is one of the items with lower adherence, corroborating with the findings in this study. Conclusion: Adolescents present difficulties in treatment adherence and a high percentage of nutritional deficit. Nutritional education in creating strategies for improving this situation is suggested (AU)

Hábitos de alimentación y ejercicio físico en los adolescentes / Food and exercise habits in teenagers

Objetivo: estudiar las características de alimentación y ejercicio físico en los adolescentes escolarizados de la provincia de Valladolid. Métodos: se realizó una amplia encuesta de carácter anónimo y autocumplimentada a 2412 escolares de 13 a 18 años, extrayendo los datos relacionados con la alimentación y el ejercicio físico, entre marzo y mayo de 2012. Resultados: desayunaban diariamente el 79,2% de los adolescentes, no desayunaban nunca un 4%. Referían consumir fruta a diario el 45,2%, verdura cocida o cruda al menos dos veces a la semana el 31,9% y 62,6%, respectivamente y legumbre al menos una vez a la semana el 92,4%. No consumía pescado el 10,7%. En relación a los alimentos no saludables, tomaba refrescos a diario el 10,5%, chucherías el 7,2% y patatas fritas tipo chips el 4,5%. El 62,4% consideraron que su peso era adecuado. El 30,2% ha realizado dieta en alguna ocasión. Se ha provocado el vómito, tomado laxantes o diuréticos para perder peso alguna vez el 7,7% y diariamente o frecuentemente el 1,6%. En relación al ejercicio físico, el 95,8% lo practicaba a diario y un 69,6% en el colegio. Conclusiones: encontramos problemas en los hábitos de alimentación y ejercicio físico de adolescentes. Es importante realizar campañas de promoción de hábitos saludables (AU)

Objective: to study the characteristics of diet and exercise in adolescents enrolled in school in the province of Valladolid. Methods: a broad survey was conducted anonymously and auto filled by 2412 students from 13 to 18 years old, extracting data related to food and exercise from March to May 2012. Results: the 79.2% of adolescents had breakfast daily in contrast to the 4% that never breakfasted. The 45.2% referred to consume fruit daily, taking cooked or raw vegetables at least twice a week, the 31.9% and the 62.6% respectively, and the 92.4% ate legume at least once a week. The 10.7% did not ever consume fish. Regarding to unhealthy foods, the 10.5% drank soft or fizzy drinks daily, the 7.2% ate snacks and sweets and the 4.5% ate chips. The 62.4% of these teenagers felt that their weight was adequate but the 30.2% had ever gone on a diet in some occasion. Inducing vomiting, taking laxa­tives or diuretics to lose weight was ever used by the 7.7% of them and the 1.6% used these methods once a day or frequently. Regarding to exercise, the 95.8% exercised daily and the 69.6% at school. Conclusions: we found problems in the habits of feeding and exercise for teens. It is important to carry out promotional campaigns for healthy habits (AU)

La importancia de la nutrición y los estilos de vida saludables en la infancia y adolescencia / The importance of nutrition and healthy lifestyles in childhood and adolescence

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Evaluation of the effects of a programme promoting adequate and healthy eating on adolescent health markers: an interventional study / Evaluación de los efectos de un programa de promoción de una alimentación adecuada y saludable en los marcadores de salud para adolescentes: un estudio de intervención

Aim: to evaluate the effects of a protocol promoting adequate and healthy eating on adolescent health parameters. Methods: this controlled intervention study was conducted for 9 months, with the participation of adolescents enrolled in two schools (intervention/control) located in a poor neighbourhood in the city of Salvador (Bahia), Brazil. For the intervention school, activities promoting adequate and healthy eating were designed based on the Food Guide for the Brazilian Population (Guia Alimentar para a População Brasileira). Students underwent biochemical, sexual maturation and anthropometric tests at baseline and at the end of the 9-month period. In addition, students answered a questionnaire on food consumption, physical activity and sedentary behaviour. Information on the socioeconomic status of their family was also obtained. Generalized Estimating Equation (GEE) analysis was chosen to evaluate the associations of interest. Results: students under intervention presented decreases of 7.64 mg/dL in mean total cholesterol (TC) (p = 0.009) and 7.77 mg/dL in mean low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLc) (p = 0.003) and increases of 18% in legume consumption (odds ratio [OR] = 1.18; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.03-1.37) and 17% in vegetable consumption (OR = 1.17; 95%CI 1.01-1.35) compared with students who did not undergo intervention. No differences were observed in the anthropometric parameters analysed. Conclusion: the results showed a positive effect of activities promoting adequate and healthy eating on reducing TC and LDLc and on increasing the consumption of vegetables and legumes, evidencing that the intervention model was able to prevent and/or treat cardiovascular risk factors in adolescents (AU)

Objetivo: evaluar las repercusiones de un protocolo de promoción de una alimentación adecuada y saludable en los parámetros de salud de adolescentes. Métodos: se trata de un estudio de intervención, controlado, con una duración de nueve meses, en el cual participaron estudiantes, con una edad entre 10 y 17 años, matriculados en dos escuelas (intervención/ control) situadas en un barrio pobre del municipio de Salvador (Bahia), Brasil. Fueron previstas para la escuela bajo intervención acciones de promoción de una alimentación adecuada y saludable, con base en el Guia Alimentar para a População Brasileira (Guía Alimentaria para la Población Brasileña). Con el propósito de evaluar el efecto de tales acciones, todos los alumnos fueron sometidos a los exámenes bioquímicos, de maduración y antropométricos al principio y al final de los nueve meses. Además, contestaron a un cuestionario sobre consumo alimentario, actividad física y comportamiento sedentario. También se consiguió información sobre las condiciones socioeconómicas de la familia. La opción fue el análisis de Ecuaciones de Estimaciones Generalizadas (GEE) para evaluar las asociaciones de interés. Resultados: se verificó que los estudiantes bajo intervención presentaron una disminución de 7,64 mg/dL en la media del colesterol total (p = 0,009), de 7,77 mg/dL en la media del LDLc (p = 0,003), un incremento del 18% en el consumo de legumbres (OR = 1,18; 95%IC 1,03-1,37) y del 17% en el consumo de verduras (OR = 1,17; 95%IC 1,01-1,35), comparados con aquellos que no fueron sometidos a la intervención. No hubo diferencias en los pará- metros antropométricos estudiados. Conclusión: los resultados apuntaron un efecto positivo de las acciones de promoción de la alimentación adecuada y saludable en la reducción del colesterol total, LDL-c, en el aumento del consumo de vegetales y legumbres, evidenciando una vez más que el modelo de intervención fue capaz de prever y/o tratar factores de riesgo cardiovascular en los adolescentes (AU)

Avaliação do índice de massa corporal de adolescentes e de seu conhecimento sobre nutrição

Nas últimas décadas ocorreu uma inversão nos padrões dos problemas nutricionais,passando da desnutrição à obesidade. O objetivo desse trabalho foi avaliar o IMC de adolescentes e seu conhecimento sobre a pirâmide alimentar e Nutrição. Participaram 122 alunos de uma escola particular de São Paulo, SP. Cada aluno recebeu uma folha contendo dados pessoais, três atividade lúdicas e uma questão aberta sobre alimentação saudável. A partir de peso e altura referidos, calculou-se o IMC, analisado pelas curvas de crescimento da OMS de 2006. Grande parte dos adolescentes (77,1 %) apresentou peso adequado; 20,5% sobrepeso; 1,6% obesidade e 0,8% baixo peso. A primeira atividade lúdica avaliou o conhecimento sobre nutrição (jogo de palavras cruzadas) e a maioria (63,9%) acertou todos os itens. No jogo dos erros (segunda atividade), 16,4% dos alunos identificaram todos os erros e 81,1% identificou 4, 5 ou 6 dos erros. Na questão sobre o nome dos grupos da Pirâmide Alimentar, 43% identificou todos os grupos. Na pergunta aberta, 39,4% respondeu que uma alimentação saudável é composta por todos os alimentos, sem exageros. Conclui-se que os adolescentes apresentaram bom conhecimento sobre a pirâmide alimentar e sobre conceitos de Nutrição e que,apesar da maioria apresentar estado nutricional adequado, ações educativas devem ser planejadas com o objetivo da reversão do excesso de peso.

In recent decades a reversal occurred in the patterns of nutritional problems, from malnutrition to obesity. The objective of this work was to evaluate the BMI of adolescents and their degree of knowledge about the Food Pyramid and healthful eating. The study was conducted with 122 students from a particular teaching unit in São Paulo, SP. Each student received an activity sheet containing personal data and four questions, three closed questions and one open question about healthful eating. From the reported height and weight, BM! for age was calculated and analyzed by WHO 2006 growth charts. Most adolescents 77.1% had normal weight, 20.5% were overweight, 1.6% with obesity and 0.8% had low weight. The first question assessed the knowledge about nutrition (crossword game) and most adolescents (63.9%) had a majority of correct answers. On the second question, 16.4% of students identified all errors, 81.1% identified 4, 5 or 6 errors. In the fourth question, the majority (43%) had a great performance by identifying all the groups of food pyramid. Regarding the open question, many of the students, 39.4% responded that a healthy diet is composed by all kinds of foods, without exaggeration. It can be concluded that adolescents are able to deal with the issue, revealing a smooth and broad knowledge. Healthy and educations actions are needed to treat cases of obesity, overweight and low weight.

Evaluación de la ingesta en niños y adolescentes: problemas y recomendaciones / Dietary assessment in children and adolescents issues and recommendations

El análisis de la ingesta alimentaria en niños y adolescentes de gran interés con diferentes fines. Las características propias de cada etapa del desarrollo evolutivo y las capacidades cognitivas en cada edad son dos factores que influyen sobre la capacidad de los niños para proporcionar información válida y fiable sobre el consumo de alimentos. La capacidad de recordar, limitaciones de vocabulario o la capacidad para identificar distintos alimentos son algunos de los aspectos relevantes. Además a menudo son los padres o cuidadores quienes facilitan la información y su grado de conocimiento depende del tiempo que pasen con el niño y si comparten las comidas. A medida que crecen los niños son más independientes y cada vez pasan más tiempo sin sus padres. Los niños también tienen limitaciones a la hora de reconocer modelos de alimentos y asociarlos con diferentes cantidades. Por otro lado, las entrevistas largas o los cuestionarios auto-administrados les resultan largos y aburridos. El uso de las nuevas tecnologías están favoreciendo el desarrollo de nuevas herramientas que permiten adaptar los métodos de análisis de la ingesta a la capacidad cognitiva de los niños, introduciendo componentes lúdicos y narrativos que atraigan su interés y mejoren la calidad de la información

The assessment of dietary intake in children and adolescents is of great interest for different purposes. The characteristics of each developmental stage and associated cognitive abilities are two factors that influence the ability of children to provide valid and reliable information on food consumption. The ability to remember, limitations of vocabulary or the ability to identify different foods are some of the relevant aspects. In addition, often parents or caregivers provide surrogate information and their degree of knowledge depends on the time they spend with the child and on whether they share meals. As children grow they become more independent and increasingly spend more time away from their parents. Children also have limitations to recognize food models and photographs and associate them with different amounts of food consumed. On the other hand, often children and adolescents perceive long interviews or self-administered questionnaires they as long and boring. The use of new technologies is contributing to the development of new tools adapting dietary assessment the methods to the cognitive abilities of children, introducing gaming environments and narrative structures that attract their interest and improve the quality of information they report

Effect of a weight loss program in obese adolescents; a long-term follow-up / Efecto de un programa de pérdida de peso en adolescentes obesos; seguimiento a largo plazo

Objectives: Obesity during adolescence is an increasing health problem in industrial countries. The co-morbidities associated with obesity include important metabolic diseases. Methods: To analyze the effect of a weight-loss program, we recruited 12 obese, male adolescents before entering this program. We determined body weight measures at baseline, 6-week and 36-month follow-up. Also, the long-term changes of blood pressure, HbA1c, and CRP were evaluated. Twenty healthy age-matched adolescents served as controls. Results: Within the intervention group ((body mass index [BMI, kg/m2] > 95th percentile for age and sex, age 13-17 years) the BMI and BMI-standard deviation score [SDS] were significantly reduced in the 6-week follow-up after completing the weight loss program. However, the significant weight-reduction effect was not persistent until the 36-month follow-up. Conclusion: The 6-week weight-loss program had beneficial short-term effects on body weight, BMI, and BMI-SDS in obese adolescents, but these effects could not be maintained until the 36-month follow-up (AU)

Objetivos: La obesidad durante la adolescencia es un problema de salud creciente en los países industriales. Las co-morbilidades asociadas a la obesidad conllevan importantes enfermedades metabólicas. Métodos: Para analizar el efecto de un programa de pérdida de peso, seleccionamos a 12 adolescentes varones obesos antes de entrar en este programa. Determinamos las mediciones de peso corporal al inicio del programa y en los seguimientos a las 6 semanas y a los 36 meses. También se evaluaron los cambios a largo plazo de tensión arterial, HbA1c y PCR. Igualmente se seleccionó a veinte adolescentes sanos de la misma edad que sirvieron como grupo de control. Resultados: Dentro del grupo de intervención ((índice de masa corporal [IMC, kg/m2] > percentil 95 para edad y sexo, 13-17 años) el IMC y la puntuación de la desviación estándar sobre el IMC [SDS] se vieron significativamente reducidos en el seguimiento de 6 semanas tras completar el programa de pérdida de peso. Sin embargo, el efecto de reducción de peso significativa no fue persistente hasta el seguimiento a los 36 meses. Conclusión: El programa de pérdida de peso de 6 semanas tuvo efectos beneficiosos a corto plazo en el peso corporal, IMC y en el IMC-SDS en adolescentes obesos, pero estos efectos no se pudieron mantener hasta el seguimiento a los 36 meses (AU)

Policy brief: effective interventions for the prevention of childhood obesity

Excess body fat has both immediate and long-term effects on the health and well-being of children. Childhood obesity is an urgent public health problem in the region and this problem is escalating. To address this matter, this paper was prepared and seeks to answer the following questions: i) what is the current evidence regarding the effectiveness of interventions for preventing obesity in children and adolescents? ii) What are the characteristics of interventions that have proven to be effective? iii) Which program components or design features of efficacious interventions can be applied within the Caribbean context? The purpose of the Policy Brief is to identify the characteristics of interventions that have been evaluated and found to have positive obesity prevention effects, as measured by a reduction or stabilization of BMI or other outcome measures, which may be implemented in the Caribbean Region as effective responses to the burgeoning epidemic. The primary focus of the Brief is on midstream approaches for changing behaviors. Upstream approaches which include broad based public policy action such as laws, regulation and national policies in and of themselves are excluded. The Brief is prepared for decision-makers and program managers with responsibility for developing and implementing nutrition and other health promotion programs for children.

Policy dialogue report: achieving healthy weights among children and adolescents in the Caribbean: “Moving from research to policy to action”

On 30, April 2014, CARPHA hosted a Policy Dialogue in Oranjestad, Aruba on the topic; Achieving Healthy Weights among Children and Adolescents in the Caribbean: “Moving from Research to Policy to Action. Chief Medical Officers from CARPHA Member States were the main audience for this Dialogue which sought to present synthesized research evidence about effective interventions for prevention of obesity; to consider the views and experience of stakeholders; and to foster discussion of actionable steps that could be taken in the Caribbean region.

Safeguarding our future development: plan of action for promoting healthy weights in the Caribbean: prevention and control of childhood obesity: 2014-2019

The Caribbean is in the midst of a childhood obesity epidemic. At least 1 in every 5 of our children are carrying unhealthy weights and are at risk of developing non-communicable diseases later in life. This Plan provides a comprehensive public health response to our problem. It seeks to tackle the underlying variables that produce the obesogenic environments that are fuelling the epidemic but it also supports more direct measures to effect change at the individual and community level as well as to provide clinical, family and psychosocial support for the child who is already affected by overweight/obesity. No response is however complete without giving due consideration to the capacity of the people, systems and institutions that will be called upon to deliver. Our Plan for Action therefore also includes measures to augment capacity in critical area and to effectively monitor progress and measure results.

Avaliação do conhecimento em nutrição entre alunos do ensino fundamental II de uma escola privada da zona sul de São Paulo / Evaluation of nutritional knowledge among students of a private primary school in the south zone of São Paulo

As mudanças biológicas, psicológicas, cognitivas e sociais que ocorrem com intensidade na adolescência interferem de forma dinâmica no comportamento do adolescentes. As escolhas alimentares não dependem somente da disponibilidade e das preferências, mas também dos fatores cognitivos, tais como o conhecimento sobre os benefícios e o custo associados aos alimentos. este estudo tem como objetivo avaliar o nível de conhecimento em nutrição entre alunos do ensino Fundamental II de uma Escola Privada da zona sul de São Paulo. Estudo transversal do tipo descritivo desenvolvido com com alunos do Ensino Fundamental II. Para avaliar o nível de conhecimento dos alunos, utilizou-se o questionário de "Conhecimentos Gerais em Nutrição - Escala de Conhecimento Nutricional". O instrumento enfoca três partes: a primeira contém quatro questões sobre a relação entre dieta e doenças: a segunda parte tem sete questões sobre o conteúdo de fibras e lipídeos nos alimentos e a terceira consiste em uma questão sobre a quantidade de porções de frutas e hortaliças que uma pessoa deve consumir, sendo distribuído um ponto para cada resposta correta. Em relação ao nível de conhecimento nutricional. obeservou-se que 22,22% dos alunos apresentam baixo nível de conhecimento sobre nutrição, 65,43% moderado e 12,34% alto. Com base no presente estudo, conclui-se que os alunos do Ensino Fundamental II apresentam bom nível de conhecimento em nutrição.

The biological, psychological, cognitive and social changes that occur with intensity in adolescence affect dynamically eating behavior in teenagers. Feeding choices do not depend on the availability and preferences, but also of cognitive factors such as knowledge about the benefits and costs associated with the food. The target of this study is to evaluate then level of nutrional knowledge among students of a private Primary School in the south zone of São Paulo. The study was of transversal descriptive type developed with students of a Primary School II in the south zone of São Paulo. "General Knowledge in Nutrition - Nutrition Knowledge Scale" questionnaire were used to evaluate the knowledge level of the students. The intrument focuses three parts: the first one contains four questions about the relation among diet and food; the second part has seven questions about the contents of fibers and lipids in food and the last one consists of question about quantity servings of fruits and vegetables that a person has been consuming, being distributed one point for each correct answer. In regard to the knowledge it was observed 22,22% of the students have lack of knowledge in nutrition, 64,43% moderate knowledge and 12,34% high. based on presente study it was concluded that students of Primary School II show a good knowledge level about nutrition.

Avaliação dos conteúdos relacionados à nutrição contidos nos livros didáticos de biologia do ensino médio / Assessment of the nutritional issues contained in high school biology textbooks

OBJETIVO:Analisar os temas de nutrição contidos nos livros didáticos de Biologia do ensino médio, comparando a qualidade das informações com os conhecimentos atuais. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal descritivo no qual foram avaliados, de forma estruturada, todos os livros de Biologia recomendados para o ensino médio pelo Ministério da Educação. A análise de cada livro foi realizada segundo o seu conteúdo de nutrição a partir de uma ficha de avaliação. As variáveis avaliadas foram selecionadas por meio de revisão de literatura, sendo classificadas em: "suficiente", quando estiveram totalmente presentes nos livros didáticos e em concordância com os conhecimentos atuais; "insuficiente", quando as variáveis analisadas estiveram parcialmente presentes nos livros didáticos, em concordância com os conhecimentos atuais; "ausente", quando o conteúdo não foi abordado no livro didático. Variáveis presentes, porém desatualizadas ou incorretas, foram analisadas individualmente e de forma descritiva. A técnica de "análise de conteúdo" norteou este trabalho. RESULTADOS: Todos os livros didáticos continham informações sobre nutrição; porém, em sua maioria, apresentaram-se insuficientes para promover escolhas alimentares conscientes e/ou mudança de hábitos. Algumas informações estavam ausentes em alguns livros, como hipovitaminose A e deficiência de folato (100 por cento), anemia ferropriva (89 por cento), obesidade, deficiência de iodo e pirâmide dos alimentos (78 por cento). CONCLUSÕES: A inserção da educação nutricional no currículo escolar e a revisão periódica para adequação dos conteúdos sobre nutrição nos livros didáticos são medidas coadjuvantes à prevenção de agravos à saúde dos futuros adultos.

OBJECTIVE:To analyze the nutrition-related issues of high school Biology textbooks by comparing the available information with the current knowledge. METHODS: A cross-sectional descriptive study was undertaken to evaluate all the Biology textbooks recommended by the Ministry of Education for high school classes. The data collection was performed by a structured assessment tool to evaluate the content of each book. The content was classified as "sufficient", when all the variables analyzed were presented in the textbooks and in consonance with the current scientific literature; "insufficient", when they were partially presented in the textbooks and in consonance with current scientific literature; "absent", when the content was not available in the textbook. Variables available but outdated or incorrect were individually and descriptively assessed. The content analysis technique was employed in the present study. RESULTS: All the textbooks had nutrition-related information. However, most of them were insufficient to promote awareness of food choices and/or change of lifestyle. The following information was not available in the books: vitamin A and folate deficiency (100 percent), anemia due to iron deficiency (89 percent), obesity, iodine deficiency and food pyramid (78 percent). CONCLUSIONS: The insertion of nutritional education in the academic curriculum and the periodical review of nutrition-related issues presented in the textbooks may help the prevention of health problems among children and youth.

Desayuno y funciones cognitivas en la infancia y adolescencia. Una revisión sistemática / Breakfast and cognitive functions in childhood and adolescence. A systematic review

Fundamento: Los beneficios del desayuno cuentan con un soporte experimental, disponiéndose de datos metabólicos, fisiológicos y funcionales (memoria, atención). La ausencia de desayuno altera la disponibilidad de glucosa y otros nutrientes necesarios para la síntesis de neurotransmisores. El objetivo es analizar la literatura existente sobre los efectos del desayuno (y/o su ausencia) en el rendimiento cognitivo de niños-adolescentes, los posibles efectos de cantidad y calidad del desayuno, sus características glucémicas, el efecto a corto y largo plazo, y la influencia del estado nutricional previo. Métodos: Búsqueda bibliográfica en la base de datos Medline, desde 1975, sobre desayuno y función cognitiva en niños y adolescentes. Se recuperaron 331 artículos; 76 satisfacían los criterios de inclusión definidos. Resultados: El desayuno tiene un efecto positivo a corto plazo sobre determinadas funciones cognitivas. Los efectos a largo plazo, derivados de programas de desayuno en la escuela podrían deberse más a un menor absentismo escolar que al hecho en sí del desayuno. El desayuno de bajo índice glucémico (IG) parece reportar más beneficios que el alto IG. No están claros los efectos de la cantidad de desayuno o el momento de la toma, ni los mecanismos específicos por los que el desayuno mejora el rendimiento. La omisión del desayuno produce efectos más negativos si el niño presenta desnutrición o riesgo de desnutrición. Conclusiones: Hay un suficiente soporte experimental en la actualidad para sostener las ventajas del desayuno en el desempeño cognitivo de niños y adolescentes (AU)

ackground: The benefits of breakfast have experimental support, with well-known data about metabolic and physiological functions (memory, attention). The absence of breakfast alters the availability of glucose or certain nutrients needed for the synthesis of neurotransmitters. The objective was to analyse the existing literature on the effects of breakfast (and/or its absence) in cognitive performance of children and adolescents, to determine the possible effects of quantity and quality of breakfast, its glycemic characteristics, the short-term and long-term effects and the influence of the prior nutritional status. Methods: Literature search in Medline since 1975, on breakfast and cognitive function in children and adolescents. Some 331 papers were retrieved; 76 met the inclusion criteria. Results: Breakfast has a positive short-term effect on certain cognitive functions. The long term effects resulting from breakfast school programs could be due to a lower absenteeism more than to direct breakfast effect. A low glycemic index (GI) breakfast seems to report more benefits than the high GI one. It is not clear neither the effects of breakfast amount or breakfast timing nor the specific mechanisms by which breakfast improves performance. The omission of breakfast causes more negative effects if children show symptoms of malnutrition or risk of malnutrition. Conclusion: There is sufficient experimental support at present to sustain the benefits of breakfast on cognitive performance of children and adolescents (AU)

Estudio de prevalencia de síndrome metabólico en adolescentes de 11 a 16 años de edad con distintos grados de obesidad de la zona urbana de Chalco, Estado de México / Prevalence of metabolic syndrome in teenagers 11 to 16 with different grades of obesity in the urban area of Chalco, State of Mexico

Fundamento: Identificar la prevalencia de Síndrome metabólico en adolescentes de 11 a 16 años de edad con distintos grados de obesidad en la zona urbana de Chalco, México. Método: Estudio transversal, descriptivo realizado en 2501 adolescentes, se les evaluó estado de nutrición por IMC y a los 253 diagnosticados con sobrepeso y obesidad se les realizaron mediciones antropométricas, de tensión arterial y determinación de parámetros bioquímicas. Para diagnosticar Síndrome Metabólico se consideraron los criterios de la Federación Internacional de Diabetes para adolescentes. Resultados: Se encontró prevalencia de síndrome metabólico del 4%, se observó hipertrigliceridemia en el 53.75% de los adolescentes, hiperglucemia en el 35.57% y cifras tensionales elevadas en el 5.14% de los casos, la circunferencia abdominal se encontró elevada en el 92.89%. Conclusiones: La prevalencia de síndrome metabólico en los adolescentes estudiados es elevada y su detección precoz constituye parte importante en la prevención de enfermedades crónico degenerativas (AU)

Background: To identify the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in teenagers from 11 to 16 years with varying degrees of obesity in the urban area of Chalco, Mexico. Method: cross-sectional study conducted in 2501 teenagers were assessed nutritional status by BMI and the 253 diagnosed with overweight and obesity underwent anthropometric measurements, blood pressure and determination of biochemical parameters. To diagnose metabolic syndrome were considered the criteria of the International Diabetes Federation for teenagers. Results: Prevalence of metabolic syndrome 4%, hypertriglyceridemia was observed in 53.75% of teenagers, hyperglycemia at 35.57% and high pressure values in the 5.14% of the cases, the abdominal circumference was high at 92.89%. Conclusions: The prevalence of metabolic syndrome in teenagers studied is high and its early detection is an important part in preventing chronic diseases (AU)