Ariene Silva do Carmo

Efetividade de uma intervenção nutricional associada à prática de atividade física

The nutritional transition in Brazil demands the development of contexts and environments of healthy lifestyles promotion. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a nutritional intervention associated with physical activity practice among individuals from a Health Promotion Service of Belo Horizonte (MG). The intervention was carried out in six months with normal weight or overweight adults and normal weight elderly. Socio-demographic and economic condition was evaluated before and after this period in addition to health profile, food consumption (eating habits and food frequency questionnaire) and anthropometry. The sample included 20 subjects, 95% women, 75% adults, 52.0±12.9 years. Initially, evaluation revealed occurrence of inadequate eating habits and 30% of overweight among participants. After the nutritional intervention period, there were no differences regarding eating habits, but an increase in the adequacy of processed meats consumption was verified (p=0.016). Furthermore, a reduction in body weight (62.6±8.2 versus 61.7±8.8, p=0.032), waist circumference (82.5±8.2 versus 78.9±6.2; p=0.002) and waist-to-hip ratio (0.82±0.07 versus 0.79±0.05, p=0.016). The intervention was effective for anthropometry changes and reduction in processed meats consumption, highlighting the importance of these services for the population health promotion.

Influence of the Bolsa Família program on nutritional status and food frequency of schoolchildren

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the food frequency and nutritional status among students according to participation in the Bolsa Família program funded by the government. METHODS Cross-sectional study carried out with students from the fourth grade of elementary school in the municipal capital of the southeastern region of Brazil. Food consumption and anthropometry were investigated by a questionnaire administered in school, while participation in the Bolsa Família program and other socio-economic information was obtained through a protocol applied to mothers/guardians. Statistical analysis included the Mann-Whitney test, the chi-squared test, and Poisson regression with robust variance, and the 5% significance level was adopted. RESULTS There were 319 children evaluated; 56.4% were male, with a median of 9.4 (8.6-11.9) years, and 37.0% were beneficiaries of Bolsa Família program. Between the two groups, there was high prevalence of regular soda consumption (34.3%), artificial juice (49.5%), and sweets (40.3%), while only 54.3% and 51.7% consumed fruits and vegetables regularly, respectively. Among participants of Bolsa Família program, a prevalence 1.24 times higher in the regular consumption of soft drinks (95% CI: 1.10-1.39) was identified compared to non-beneficiaries. The prevalence of overweight was higher in the sample (32.9%), with no difference according to participation in the program. CONCLUSION The study found increased consumption of soft drinks among BFP participants. The high rate of overweight and poor eating habits denote the need to develop actions to promote healthy eating, especially for the beneficiaries of the Bolsa Família program, to promote improvements in nutritional status and prevent chronic diseases throughout life.

Association Between Standardized Phase Angle, Nutrition Status, and Clinical Outcomes in Surgical Cancer Patients

BACKGROUND Different nutrition assessment tools in surgical cancer patients are used in clinical practice, which results in different prevalence rates of malnutrition. This may impact the interpretation of the association between nutrition status and clinical outcomes. Reduced standardized phase angle (SPA) values are associated with adverse outcomes in patients with cancer. Thus, it is important to assess the association of SPA with nutrition status and relate it to postoperative clinical outcomes. METHODS This prospective observational study included 121 surgical cancer patients. Bioelectrical impedance analysis, subjective global assessment (SGA), anthropometric measurements, and assessment of muscle strength were used to provide nutrition diagnosis 1 day before surgery. The patients were followed for infectious and noninfectious postoperative complications from the first day after the operation until discharge or death. RESULTS The prevalence of malnutrition was higher according to SGA (63.6%). Patients with an SPA < -1.65 had a greater chance of being diagnosed as malnourished according to the SGA (3.66 [1.35-9.90]), midarm circumference (OR 4.24; CI95%; 1.72-10.43), midarm muscle area (OR 4.38; CI95%; 1.68-11.42), and low handgrip strength (3.84 [1.31-11.25]). Patients with an SPA < -1.65 presented with more infectious complications (OR 4.19; CI95%; 1.52-11.53), but there was no association between SPA and other outcomes or death. SPA was the only significant predictor of infectious complications (AUC, 0.61; 95% CI, 0.51-0.71). CONCLUSION SPA was associated with different nutrition status parameters, and it was able to predict postoperative infectious complications.

A higher number of school meals is associated with a less‐processed diet

OBJECTIVE To compare the participation of food groups - fresh and minimally processed, processed, and ultra-processed - in the diet of students (n=1357) from Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil, in accordance with the number of school meals consumed daily. METHODS Four groups were defined: children that did not consume school meals and children that consumed one, two, or three school meals daily. Food groups participation, in g/1000kcal, was obtained using two 24-hour recalls. Three linear regression models were analyzed, in which the consumption of each of the food groups was the dependent variable, the number of school meals was the independent variable, and sociodemographic data (gender, age, health vulnerability) and overweight condition were the control variables. RESULTS Children that consumed 2 or 3 school meals daily showed, respectively, 7.3% and 10.5% higher ingestion of fresh and minimally processed food in comparison to children that did not consume school meals. Moreover, ultra-processed food participation was 18.0% lower among students that consumed two school meals and 26.0% lower among children that consumed three meals daily, in comparison to students that did not consume school meals. CONCLUSION The study showed a possible dose-response effect in childrens daily diets with two or three school meals and highlighted the relevance of the prolonged stay at school for healthy eating promotion in children.

Influência do programa Bolsa Família no estado nutricional e frequência alimentar de escolares

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the food frequency and nutritional status among students according to participation in the Bolsa Família program funded by the government. METHODS Cross-sectional study carried out with students from the fourth grade of elementary school in the municipal capital of the southeastern region of Brazil. Food consumption and anthropometry were investigated by a questionnaire administered in school, while participation in the Bolsa Família program and other socio-economic information was obtained through a protocol applied to mothers/guardians. Statistical analysis included the Mann-Whitney test, the chi-squared test, and Poisson regression with robust variance, and the 5% significance level was adopted. RESULTS There were 319 children evaluated; 56.4% were male, with a median of 9.4 (8.6-11.9) years, and 37.0% were beneficiaries of Bolsa Família program. Between the two groups, there was high prevalence of regular soda consumption (34.3%), artificial juice (49.5%), and sweets (40.3%), while only 54.3% and 51.7% consumed fruits and vegetables regularly, respectively. Among participants of Bolsa Família program, a prevalence 1.24 times higher in the regular consumption of soft drinks (95% CI: 1.10-1.39) was identified compared to non-beneficiaries. The prevalence of overweight was higher in the sample (32.9%), with no difference according to participation in the program. CONCLUSION The study found increased consumption of soft drinks among BFP participants. The high rate of overweight and poor eating habits denote the need to develop actions to promote healthy eating, especially for the beneficiaries of the Bolsa Família program, to promote improvements in nutritional status and prevent chronic diseases throughout life.